Linear dicationic terphenyls and their aza analogues as antiparasitic agents

ABSTRACT

Novel aza analogues of dicationic terphenyl compounds for use in combating microbial infections are described. Also described are processes for synthesizing the compounds. The presently disclosed compounds can include those of the formulas: 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
         
         
           
             and
 
wherein
 
           
         
       
    
     L 1  and L 2  are selected from the group consisting of:

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/687,092, filed Jun. 3, 2005, now expired the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to methods for combating microbial infections with novel dicationic terphenyl compounds and their aza analogues, processes for synthesizing novel dicationic terphenyl compounds and their aza analogues, and the novel dicationic terphenyl compounds and their aza analogues themselves.

ABBREVIATIONS

-   -   δ=chemical shift     -   Ac=acetyl     -   AcO=acetoxyl     -   AcOH=acetic acid     -   Ac₂O=acetic anhydride     -   Am=amidine     -   AmOH=amidoxime     -   Bu=butyl     -   ° C.=degrees Celsius     -   calcd=calculated     -   cm=centimeters     -   Cs₂CO₃=cesium carbonate     -   CT=cytotoxicity     -   dec=decomposition point     -   DIBAL=diisobutylaluminium hydride     -   DMF=dimethylformamide     -   DMSO=dimethylsulfoxide     -   D₂O=deuterium oxide     -   EtOAc=ethyl acetate     -   EtOH=ethanol     -   g=grams     -   h=hours     -   HAT=human African trypanosomiasis     -   HCl=hydrogen chloride or hydrochloric acid     -   HPLC=high-pressure liquid chromatography     -   Hz=hertz     -   ip=intraperitoneal     -   kg=kilograms     -   KO-t-Bu=potassium tert-butoxide     -   L. d.=Leishmania donovani     -   M=molar     -   Me=methyl     -   MeO=methoxyl     -   MHz=megahertz     -   mL=milliliters     -   mm=millimeters     -   mM=millimolar     -   m.p.=melting point     -   MS=mass spectroscopy     -   Na₂CO₃=sodium carbonate     -   Na₂SO₄=sodium sulfate     -   NBS=N-bromosuccinimide     -   NH₂OH.HCl=hydroxylamine hydrochloride     -   NMR=nuclear magnetic resonance     -   p=para     -   Pd—C=10% palladium on carbon     -   Pd(PPh₃)₄=tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium     -   P. f.=Plasmodium falciparum     -   po=oral     -   psi=pounds per square inch     -   spp.=species     -   T. b. r.=Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense     -   T. cruzi=Trypanosoma cruzi     -   THF=tetrahydrofuran     -   TLC=thin-layer chromatography     -   TMS=trimethylsilyl     -   UV=ultraviolet

BACKGROUND

The antimicrobial activity of aromatic diamidines was first reported in the 1930's. See Tidwell, R. R. and Boykin, D. W., Dicationic DNA Minor Groove Binders as Antimicrobial Agents, in Small Molecule DNA and RNA Binders: From Synthesis to Nucleic Acid Complexes, vol. 2, (M. Demeunynck, C. Bailly, and W. D. Wilson, ed., Wiley-VCH, New York, 2003), pp. 416-460. Since that time dicationic molecules have received considerable attention as potential new therapeutic agents. Despite these efforts, pentamidine, first reported in 1942, see Ashley, J. N., et al., J. Chem. Soc., 103-106, (1942), is the only compound from this class of molecules for which there has been significant human use. Pentamidine is currently used against primary stage human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), antimony-resistant leishmaniasis and also as a secondary drug for AIDS-related P. carinii pneumonia (PCP). See Tidwell, R. R. and Boykin. D. W., Dicationic DNA Minor Groove Binders as Antimicrobial Agents, in Small Molecule DNA and RNA Binders: From Synthesis to Nucleic Acid Complexes, vol. 2, (M. Demeunynck, C. Bailly, and W. D. Wilson, ed., Wiley-VCH, New York, 2003), pp. 416-460. Pentamidine, however, must be administered parenterally, and causes potentially severe side effects. Further, drug resistance among parasites is emerging. Thus, there continues to be a need for improvement in the art for additional compounds having desirable antimicrobial activity, whether against the representative pathogens referenced above or against other pathogens.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a compound of Formula (I):f L₁-Ar₁—(CH₂)_(p)—Ar₂—(CH₂)_(q)—Ar₃-L₂  (I) wherein:

p and q are each independently an integer from 0 to 8;

Ar₁ and Ar₃ are independently selected from the group consisting of:

wherein:

-   -   A, Y, and Z are independently selected from the group consisting         of N and CR₄, and wherein R₄ is selected from the group         consisting of H, hydroxyl, halo, nitro, alkyl, substituted         alkyl, alkoxyl, aryl, substituted aryl, and aryloxyl;     -   X is selected from the group consisting of O, S, NH, and Se;     -   each m is independently an integer from 0 to 4;     -   each s is independently an integer from 0 to 2;     -   each R₁, R₂, and R₃ is independently selected from the group         consisting of H, hydroxyl, halo, nitro, alkyl, substituted         alkyl, alkoxyl, aryl, substituted aryl, and aryloxyl;

Ar₂ is selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   wherein:     -   A₁, A₂, A₃, Y₁, Y₂, Y₃, Z₁, Z₂, and Z₃ are independently         selected from the group consisting of N and CR₇, and wherein R₇         is selected from the group consisting of H, hydroxyl, halo,         nitro, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkoxyl, aryl, substituted         aryl, and aryloxyl;     -   each m is independently an integer from 0 to 4;     -   each t is independently an integer from 0 to 6;     -   each R₅, R₆, R₈, R₉and R₁₀ is independently selected from the         group consisting of H, hydroxyl, halo, nitro, alkyl, substituted         alkyl, alkoxyl, aryl, substituted aryl, and aryloxyl;

L₁, and L₂ are selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   wherein:     -   R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₃, R₁₄, R₁₅, and R₂₀ are each independently selected         from the group consisting of H, alkyl, substituted alkyl,         cycloalkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, aralkyl, hydroxyl, alkoxyl,         hydroxyalkyl, hydroxycycloalkyl, alkoxycycloalkyl, aminoalkyl,         acyloxyl, alkylaminoalkyl, and alkoxycarbonyl; or         -   R₁₁, and R₁₂ together represent a C₂ to C₁₀ alkyl, C₂ to C₁₀             hydroxyalkyl, or a C₂ to C₁₀ alkylene; or         -   R ₁₁ and R₁₂ together are:

-   -   -   wherein u is an integer from 1 to 4, and R₁₆ is H or             —CONHR₁₇NR₁₈R₁₉, wherein R₁₇ is alkyl, and R₁₈ and R₁₉ are             each independently selected from the group consisting of H             and alkyl;             or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a method for treating a microbial infection, in a subject in need of treatment thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a compound of Formula (I).

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter provides the use of an active compound as described hereinabove, i.e., a compound of Formula (I), for the preparation of a medicament for treating a microbial infection.

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a pharmaceutical formulation comprising a compound of Formula (I).

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a method of preparing compounds of Formula (I).

It is accordingly an object of the presently disclosed subject matter to provide methods and compositions for treating microbial infections, such as, but not limited to, those caused by Trypanosoma species (spp.), including, but not limited to, Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, Trypanosoma brucei brucei, and Trypanosoma cruzi; Plasmodium spp., including but not limited to Plasmodium falciparum; and Leishmania spp., including but not limited to Leishmania donovani and Leishmania mexicana amazonensis, in a subject in need thereof.

Certain objects of the presently disclosed subject matter having been stated hereinabove, which are addressed in whole or in part by the presently disclosed subject matter, other objects and aspects will become evident as the description proceeds when taken in connection with the accompanying Examples as best described herein below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The presently disclosed subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying Examples, in which representative embodiments are shown. The presently disclosed subject matter can, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the embodiments to those skilled in the art.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this presently described subject matter belongs. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Throughout the specification and claims, a given chemical formula or name shall encompass all optical and stereoisomers, as well as racemic mixtures where such isomers and mixtures exist.

I. Definitions

As used herein the term “alkyl” refers to C₁₋₂₀ inclusive, linear (i.e., “straight-chain”), branched, or cyclic, saturated or at least partially and in some cases fully unsaturated (i.e., alkenyl and alkynyl) hydrocarbon chains, including for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, ethenyl, propenyl, butenyl, pentenyl, hexenyl, octenyl, butadienyl, propynyl, butynyl, pentynyl, hexynyl, heptynyl, and allenyl groups. “Branched” refers to an alkyl group in which a lower alkyl group, such as methyl, ethyl or propyl, is attached to a linear alkyl chain. “Lower alkyl” refers to an alkyl group having 1 to about 8 carbon atoms (i.e., a C₁₋₈ alkyl), e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 carbon atoms. “Higher alkyl” refers to an alkyl group having about 10 to about 20 carbon atoms, e.g., 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 carbon atoms. In certain embodiments, “alkyl” refers, in particular, to C₁₋₈ straight-chain alkyls. In other embodiments, “alkyl” refers, in particular, to C₁₋ ₈ branched-chain alkyls.

Alkyl groups can optionally be substituted (a “substituted alkyl”) with one or more alkyl group substituents, which can be the same or different. The term “alkyl group substituent” includes but is not limited to alkyl, substituted alkyl, halo, arylamino, acyl, hydroxyl, aryloxyl, alkoxyl, alkylthio, arylthio, aralkyloxyl, aralkylthio, carboxyl, alkoxycarbonyl, oxo, and cycloalkyl. There can be optionally inserted along the alkyl chain one or more oxygen, sulfur or substituted or unsubstituted nitrogen atoms, wherein the nitrogen substituent is hydrogen, lower alkyl (also referred to herein as “alkylaminoalkyl”), or aryl.

Thus, as used herein, the term “substituted alkyl” includes alkyl groups, as defined herein, in which one or more atoms or functional groups of the alkyl group are replaced with one or more atoms or functional groups, including for example, alkyl, substituted alkyl, halogen, e.g., —CH₂X, —CHX₂, and —CX₃, wherein X is a halogen selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br., F, and I, aryl, substituted aryl, alkoxyl, hydroxyl, nitro, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, sulfate, and mercapto.

The term “aryl” is used herein to refer to an aromatic substituent that can be a single aromatic ring, or multiple aromatic rings that are fused together, linked covalently, or linked to a common group, such as, but not limited to, a methylene or ethylene moiety. The common linking group also can be a carbonyl, as in benzophenone, or oxygen, as in diphenylether, or nitrogen, as in diphenylamine. The term “aryl” specifically encompasses heterocyclic aromatic compounds. The aromatic ring(s) can comprise phenyl, naphthyl, biphenyl, diphenylether, diphenylamine and benzophenone, among others. In particular embodiments, the term “aryl” means a cyclic aromatic comprising about 5 to about 10 carbon atoms, e.g., 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 carbon atoms, and including 5- and 6-membered hydrocarbon and heterocyclic aromatic rings.

The aryl group can be optionally substituted (a “substituted aryl”) with one or more aryl group substituents, which can be the same or different, wherein “aryl group substituent” includes alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, aralkyl, hydroxyl, alkoxyl, aryloxyl, aralkyloxyl, carboxyl, acyl, halo, nitro, alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, aralkoxycarbonyl, acyloxyl, acylamino, aroylamino, carbamoyl, alkylcarbamoyl, dialkylcarbamoyl, arylthio, alkylthio, alkylene, and -NR′R″, wherein R′ and R″ can each be independently hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, and aralkyl.

Thus, as used herein, the term “substituted aryl” includes aryl groups, as defined herein, in which one or more atoms or functional groups of the aryl group are replaced with another atom or functional group, including for example, alkyl, substituted alkyl, halogen, aryl, substituted aryl, alkoxyl, hydroxyl, nitro, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, sulfate, and mercapto.

Specific examples of aryl groups include, but are not limited to, cyclopentadienyl, phenyl, furan, thiophene, pyrrole, pyran, pyridine, imidazole, benzimidazole, isothiazole, isoxazole, pyrazole, pyrazine, triazine, pyrimidine, quinoline, isoquinoline, indole, carbazole, and the like.

As used herein, the term “aza” refers to a heterocyclic ring structure containing at least one nitrogen atom. Specific examples of aza groups include, but are not limited to, pyrrolidine, piperidine, quinuclidine, pyridine, pyrrole, indole, purine, pyridazine, pyrimidine, and pyrazine.

A structure represented generally by a formula such as:

as used herein refers to a ring structure, for example, but not limited to a 3-carbon, a 4-carbon, a 5-carbon, a 6-carbon, and the like, aliphatic and/or aromatic cyclic compound comprising a substituent R group, wherein the R group can be present or absent, and when present, one or more R groups can each be substituted on one or more available carbon atoms of the ring structure, replacing an H atom that would be bonded to that carbon in the absence of the R group. The presence or absence of the R group and the number of R groups is determined by the value of the integer n. Each R group, if more than one, is substituted on an available carbon of the ring structure rather than on another R group. For example, the structure:

wherein n is an integer from 0 to 2 comprises compound groups including, but not limited to:

-   -     and the like.

In the case of a fused cyclic system, the R group may be substituted on any otherwise unsubstituted carbon through the fused system. Thus, the case of a napthyl group with the structure:

already substituted at carbons 2 and 6 by substituents X and Y, wherein n is one (1) comprises compound groups including:

wherein the one (1) R substituent can be attached at any carbon on the naphthyl parent structure not occupied by another designated substituent, as in this case carbon 6 is substituted by X and carbon 2 is substituted by Y.

In some embodiments, the compounds described by the presently disclosed subject matter contain a linking group. As used herein, the term “linking group” comprises a chemical moiety, such as a furanyl, phenylene, thienyl, and pyrrolyl radical, which is bonded to two or more other chemical moieties, in particular aryl groups, to form a stable structure.

The term “phenylene” refers to a bivalent organic radical, C₆H₄, derived from benzene by removal of two hydrogen atoms and which, in some embodiments, has a structure selected from the group consisting of:

Thus, the term “phenylene” can refer to “1,4-phenylene,” 1,3-phenylene,” and “1,2-phenylene,” respectively.

The term “furanyl” refers to a bivalent organic radical, C₄H₂O, derived from furan by removal of two hydrogens and which, in some embodiments, has a structure selected from the group consisting of:

Thus, the term “furanyl” can refer to “2,5-furanyl,” “2,4-furanyl,” and “2,3-furanyl,” respectively.

The term “naphthyl” refers to a bivalent organic radical ,C₁₀H₆, derived from naphthalene by removal of two hydrogens and which, in some embodiments, has a structure selected from the group consisting of:

Thus, the term “naphthyl” can refer to “1,4-naphthyl,” “2,6-naphthyl,” and the like.

When a named atom of an aromatic ring or a heterocyclic aromatic ring is defined as being “absent,” the named atom is replaced by a direct bond. When the linking group or spacer group is defined as being absent, the linking group or spacer group is replaced by a direct bond.

“Alkylene” refers to a straight or branched bivalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having from 1 to about 20 carbon atoms, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 carbon atoms. The alkylene group can be straight, branched or cyclic. The alkylene group also can be optionally unsaturated and/or substituted with one or more “alkyl group substituents.” There can be optionally inserted along the alkylene group one or more oxygen, sulfur or substituted or unsubstituted nitrogen atoms (also referred to herein as “alkylaminoalkyl”), wherein the nitrogen substituent is alkyl as previously described. Exemplary alkylene groups include methylene (—CH₂—); ethylene (—CH₂—CH₂—); propylene (—(CH₂)₃—); cyclohexylene (—C₆H₁₀—); —CH═CH—CH═CH—; —CH═CH—CH₂—; —(CH₂)q—N(R)—(CH₂)_(r)—, wherein each of q and r is independently an integer from 0 to about 20, e.g., 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20, and R is hydrogen or lower alkyl; methylenedioxyl (—O—CH₂—O—); and ethylenedioxyl (—O—(CH₂)₂—O—). An alkylene group can have about 2 to about 3 carbon atoms and can further have 6-20 carbons.

As used herein, the term “acyl” refers to an organic acid group wherein the —OH of the carboxyl group has been replaced with another substituent (i.e., as represented by RCO—, wherein R is an alkyl or an aryl group as defined herein).

As such, the term “acyl” specifically includes arylacyl groups, such as an acetylfuran and a phenacyl group. Specific examples of acyl groups include acetyl and benzoyl. “Cyclic” and “cycloalkyl” refer to a non-aromatic mono- or multicyclic ring system of about 3 to about 10 carbon atoms, e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 carbon atoms. The cycloalkyl group can be optionally partially unsaturated. The cycloalkyl group also can be optionally substituted with an alkyl group substituent as defined herein, oxo, and/or alkylene. There can be optionally inserted along the cyclic alkyl chain one or more oxygen, sulfur or substituted or unsubstituted nitrogen atoms, wherein the nitrogen substituent is hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, or substituted aryl, thus providing a heterocyclic group. Representative monocyclic cycloalkyl rings include cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, and cycloheptyl. Multicyclic cycloalkyl rings include adamantyl, octahydronaphthyl, decalin, camphor, camphane, and noradamantyl. “Alkoxyl” or “alkoxyalkyl” refer to an alkyl-O— group wherein alkyl is as previously described. The term “alkoxyl” as used herein can refer to C₁₋₂₀ inclusive, linear, branched, or cyclic, saturated or unsaturated oxo-hydrocarbon chains, including, for example, methoxyl, ethoxyl, propoxyl, isopropoxyl, butoxyl, t-butoxyl, and pentoxyl.

“Aryloxyl” refers to an aryl-O— group wherein the aryl group is as previously described, including a substituted aryl. The term “aryloxyl” as used herein can refer to phenyloxyl or hexyloxyl, and alkyl, substituted alkyl, halo, or alkoxyl substituted phenyloxyl or hexyloxyl.

“Aralkyl” refers to an aryl-alkyl- group wherein aryl and alkyl are as previously described, and included substituted aryl and substituted alkyl. Exemplary aralkyl groups include benzyl, phenylethyl, and naphthylmethyl.

“Aralkyloxyl” refers to an aralkyl-O— group wherein the aralkyl group is as previously described. An exemplary aralkyloxyl group is benzyloxyl.

“Dialkylamino” refers to an —NRR′ group wherein each of R and R′ is independently an alkyl group and/or a substituted alkyl group as previously described. Exemplary alkylamino groups include ethylmethylamino, dimethylamino, and diethylamino.

“Alkoxycarbonyl” refers to an alkyl-O—CO— group. Exemplary alkoxycarbonyl groups include methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, butyloxycarbonyl, and t-butyloxycarbonyl.

“Aryloxycarbonyl” refers to an aryl-O—CO— group. Exemplary aryloxycarbonyl groups include phenoxy- and naphthoxy-carbonyl.

“Aralkoxycarbonyl” refers to an aralkyl-O—CO— group. An exemplary aralkoxycarbonyl group is benzyloxycarbonyl.

“Carbamoyl” refers to an H₂N—CO— group.

“Alkylcarbamoyl” refers to a R′RN—CO— group wherein one of R and R′ is hydrogen and the other of R and R′ is alkyl and/or substituted alkyl as previously described.

“Dialkylcarbamoyl” refers to a R′RN—CO— group wherein each of R and R′ is independently alkyl and/or substituted alkyl as previously described.

“Acyloxyl” refers to an acyl-O— group wherein acyl is as previously described.

“Acylamino” refers to an acyl-NH— group wherein acyl is as previously described. “Aroylamino” refers to an aroyl-NH— group wherein aroyl is as previously described.

The term “amino” refers to the —NH₂ group.

The term “carbonyl” refers to the —(C═O)— group.

The term “carboxyl” refers to the —COOH group.

The terms “halo”, “halide”, or “halogen” as used herein refer to fluoro, chloro, bromo, and iodo groups.

The term “hydroxyl” refers to the —OH group.

The term “hydroxyalkyl” refers to an alkyl group substituted with an —OH group.

The term “mercapto” refers to the —SH group.

The term “oxo” refers to a compound described previously herein wherein a carbon atom is replaced by an oxygen atom.

The term “nitro” refers to the —NO₂ group.

The term “thio” refers to a compound described previously herein wherein a carbon or oxygen atom is replaced by a sulfur atom.

The term “sulfate” refers to the —SO₄ group.

When the term “independently selected” is used, the substituents being referred to (e.g., R groups, such as groups R₁ and R₂, or groups X and Y), can be identical or different. For example, both R₁ and R₂ can be substituted alkyls, or R₁ can be hydrogen and R₂ can be a substituted alkyl, and the like.

A named “R”, “R′,” “X,” “Y,” “Y′”, “A,” “A′”, “B,” “L,” or “Z” group will generally have the structure that is recognized in the art as corresponding to a group having that name, unless specified otherwise herein. For the purposes of illustration, certain representative “R,” “X,” “Y”, and “A” groups as set forth above are defined below. These definitions are intended to supplement and illustrate, not preclude, the definitions that would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the present disclosure.

The term “reflux” and grammatical derivations thereof refer to boiling a liquid, such as a solvent, in a container, such as a reaction flask, with which a condenser is associated, thereby facilitating continuous boiling without loss of liquid, due to the condensation of vapors on the interior walls of the condenser.

The term “aprotic solvent” refers to a solvent molecule which can neither accept nor donate a proton. Typical aprotic solvents include, but are not limited to, acetone, acetonitrile, benzene, butanone, butyronitrile, carbon tetrachloride, chlorobenzene, chloroform, 1,2-dichloroethane, dichloromethane, diethyl ether, dimethylacetamide, N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), 1,4-dioxane, ethyl acetate, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, hexane, N-methylpyrrolidone, pyridine, tetrahydrofuran (THF), and toluene. Certain aprotic solvents are polar solvents. Examples of polar aprotic solvents include, but are not limited to, acetone, acetonitrile, butanone, N,N-dimethylformamide, and dimethylsulfoxide. Certain aprotic solvents are non-polar solvents. Examples of nonpolar, aprotic solvents include, but are not limited to, diethyl ether, aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as hexane, aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzene and toluene, and symmetrical halogenated hydrocarbons, such as carbon tetrachloride.

The term “protic solvent” refers to a solvent molecule which contains a hydrogen atom bonded to an electronegative atom, such as an oxygen atom or a nitrogen atom. Typical protic solvents include, but are not limited to, carboxylic acids, such as acetic acid, alcohols, such as methanol and ethanol, amines, amides, and water.

The term “metal alkyl” refers to a compound of the general formula MR_(n), wherein M is a metal atom, including, but not limited to aluminum, boron, magnesium, zinc, gallium, indium, antimony and related metals, R is an alkyl group as defined herein, and n is an integer. A representative metal alkyl is trimethylaluminum, abbreviated as Al(CH₃)₃ or AlMe₃.

The term “alkali metal alcoholate” refers to an alkali metal derivative of an alcohol having the general formula M_(a)OR_(n), wherein M_(a) is an alkali metal, such as lithium, sodium, or potassium, O is oxygen, R is an alkyl group as defined herein, and n is an integer. Representative alkali metal alcoholates include, but are not limited to, sodium methanolate, abbreviated as NaOCH₃or NaOMe, and potassium butoxide, abbreviated as KOC(CH₃)₃.

The term “acid anhydride” refers to an anhydride of an organic acid and includes, but is not limited to acetic anhydride ((CH₃C═O)₂O or Ac₂O) and benzoic anhydride ((C₆H₅C═O)₂O).

II. Novel Compounds

The structures of pentamidine (I), furamidine (II), CGP 40215A (III), 3,5-bis[4-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)phenyl]pyridine (IV), bis4,4′-amidinobiphenyl (V), and bis4,4′-amidinophenylethyne (VI) are shown in Scheme A.

Scheme A. Structures of Representative Dicationic Antiprotozoan Agents.

An orally effective prodrug of furamidine is currently in Phase II clinical trials against malaria, HAT and PCP. See Tidwell, R. R. and Boykin, D. W., Dicationic DNA Minor Groove Binders as Antimicrobial Agents, in Small Molecule DNA and RNA Binders: From Synthesis to Nucleic Acid Complexes, vol. 2, (M. Demeunynck, C. Bailly, and W. D. Wilson, ed., Wiley-VCH, New York, 2003), pp. 416-460; Fairlamb, A. H., Trends Parasitol, 19, 488-494 (2003); Bouteille, B., et al., Fundam. Clin. Pharmacol., 17, 171-181 (2003). This type of dicationic molecule is thought to act by binding in the minor groove of DNA at AT rich sites, leading to inhibition of DNA dependant enzymes or possibly direct inhibition of transcription. Further, it has been postulated that minor groove binding leads to inhibition of DNA dependent enzymes or possibly direct inhibition of transcription. See Tidwell, R. R. and Boykin, D. W., Dicationic DNA Minor Groove Binders as Antimicrobial Agents, in Small Molecule DNA and RNA Binders: From Synthesis to Nucleic Acid Complexes, vol. 2, (M. Demeunynck, C. Bailly, and W. D. Wilson, ed., Wiley-VCH, New York, 2003), pp. 416-460; Dykstra, C. C., et al., Antimicrob. Agents Chemother., 38, 1890-1898 (1994); Bailly, C., et al., Anti-Cancer Drug Design, 14, 47-60 (1999); Fitzgerald, D. J. and J. N. Anderson, J. Biol. Chem., 274, 27128-27138 (1999); Henderson, D. and L. H. Hurley, Nature Med., 1, 525-527 (1995). Without wishing to be bound to any one particular theory, it is suggested that the selectivity of these molecules, at least for trypanosomes, likely includes a cell entry component involving amidine transporters.

An element in the design of new potential aromatic diamidine therapeutics has been that the molecular scaffold bearing the amidine units should present crescent shape geometry complimentary to the curve of the minor groove of DNA. See Corey, M., et al., J. Med. Chem., 35,431-438 (1992). Van der Waals contacts with the walls of the groove have been shown to be an important contributor to binding affinity. See Czarny. A. D., et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 117, 4716 (1995); Mazur, S. F., et al., J. Mol. Bio., 300, 321-337 (2000); Wilson. W. D., et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 120, 10310-10321 (1998). A current theoretical analysis of the binding interactions of 25 minor groove binders shows that the small molecule curvature provides energetically favorable Van der Waals contacts. See Shaikh, S. A., et al., Arch. Biochem. Biophys., 429, 81-99 (2004). Pentamidine, furamidine and many analogs meet this crescent shape profile. See Tidwell, R. R. and Boykin, D. W., Dicationic DNA Minor Groove Binders as Antimicrobial Agents, in Small Molecule DNA and RNA Binders: From Synthesis to Nucleic Acid Complexes, vol. 2, (M. Demeunynck, C. Bailly, and W. D. Wilson, ed., Wiley-VCH, New York, 2003), pp. 416-460; Cory, M., et al., J. Med. Chem., 35, 431-438 (1992); Boykin, D. W., et al., J. Med. Chem., 41, 124-129 (1998); Boykin, D. W., et al., J. Med. Chem., 38, 912 (1995); Das, B. P. and Boykin, D. W., J. Med. Chem., 20, 531 (1977). Further, it is thought that potent minor groove binders' solution structures either match the groove curve or easily assume low energy conformations that complement the groove on complex formation. Molecules that present too great or too small curvatures have difficulty in maximizing contacts with the minor groove and therefore typically exhibit reduced binding affinities. See Cory, M., et al., J. Med. Chem., 35, 431-438 (1992).

The presently disclosed subject matter provides linear linking systems based on the terphenyl scaffold. Provided herein is the synthesis of novel teraryl dications, amidines, guanidines, and guanyl hydrazone and their evaluation as potential as minor groove binders and anti-protozoan agents.

II.A. Compounds of Formula (I)

Described herein is a compound of Formula (I): L₁-Ar₁—(CH₂)_(p)—Ar₂—(CH₂)_(q)—Ar₃-L₂  (I) wherein:

p and q are each independently an integer from 0 to 8;

Ar₁ and Ar₃ are independently selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   wherein:     -   A, Y, and Z are independently selected from the group consisting         of N and CR₄, and wherein R₄ is selected from the group         consisting of H, hydroxyl, halo, nitro, alkyl, substituted         alkyl, alkoxyl, aryl, substituted aryl, and aryloxyl;     -   X is selected from the group consisting of O, S, NH, and Se;     -   each m is independently an integer from 0 to 4;     -   each s is independently an integer from 0 to 2;     -   each R₁, R₂, and R₃ is independently selected from the group         consisting of H, hydroxyl, halo, nitro, alkyl, substituted         alkyl, alkoxyl, aryl, substituted aryl, and aryloxyl;

Ar₂ is selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   wherein:     -   A₁, A₂, A₃, Y_(1, Y) ₂, Y₃, Z₁, Z₂, and Z₃ are independently         selected from the group consisting of N and CR₇, and wherein R₇         is selected from the group consisting of H, hydroxyl, halo,         nitro, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkoxyl, aryl, substituted         aryl, and aryloxyl;     -   each m is independently an integer from 0 to 4;     -   each t is independently an integer from 0 to 6;     -   each R₅, R₆, R₈, R₉ and R₁₀ is independently selected from the         group consisting of H, hydroxyl, halo, nitro, alkyl, substituted         alkyl, alkoxyl, aryl, substituted aryl, and aryloxyl;

L₁ and L₂ are selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   wherein:     -   R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₃, R₁₄, R₁₅, and R₂₀ are each independently selected         from the group consisting of H, alkyl, substituted alkyl,         cycloalkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, aralkyl, hydroxyl, alkoxyl,         hydroxyalkyl, hydroxycycloalkyl, alkoxycycloalkyl, aminoalkyl,         acyloxyl, alkylaminoalkyl, and alkoxycarbonyl; or         -   R₁₁ and R₁₂ together represent a C₂ to C₁₀ alkyl, C₂ to C₁₀             hydroxyalkyl, or a C₂ to C₁₀ alkylene; or         -   R₁₁ and R₁₂ together are:

-   -   -   wherein u is an integer from 1 to 4, and R₁₆ is H or             —CONHR₁₇NR₁₈R₁₉, wherein R₁₇ is alkyl, and R₁₈ and R₁₉ are             each independently selected from the group consisting of H             and alkyl;             or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In some embodiments, Ar₂ is phenylene and the compound of Formula (I) has the following structure:

In some embodiments, Ar₁ is phenylene and Ar₃ is furanyl and the compound of Formula (II) has the following structure:

In some embodiments, Ar₁ and Ar₃ are each furanyl and the compound of Formula (II) has the following structure:

In some embodiments, Ar₁ and Ar₃ are each phenylene and the compound of Formula (II) has the following structure:

In some embodiments, Ar₁ and Ar₃ are each:

wherein at least one of each A and each Y are N, and wherein the compound of Formula (II) has the following structure:

In some embodiments, a compound of Formula (II) is selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   N-Hydroxy-5-[4′-(N-hydroxyamidino)-biphenyl-4-yl]-furan-2-carboxamidine;     -   N-Methoxy-5-[4′-(N-methoxyamidino)-biphenyl-4-yl]-furan-2-carboxamidine;     -   5-(4′-Amidinobiphenyl-4-yl]-furan-2-carboxamidine;     -   N-Hydroxy-5-{4-[5-(N-hydroxyamidino)-furan-2-yl]-phenyl}-furan-2-carboxamidine;     -   5-[4-(5-amidinofuran-2-yl)-phenyl]-furan-2-carboxamidine;     -   [1,1′;4′,1″]Terphenyl-4,4″-bis-N-hydroxycarboxamidine;     -   [1,1′;4′,1″]Terphenyl-4,4″-bis-N-acetoxycarboxamidine;     -   [1,1′;4′,1″]Terphenyl-4,4″-bis-carboxamidine;     -   [1,1′;4′,1″]Terphenyl-4,4″-bis-N-methoxycarboxamidine;     -   2′-Fluoro-[1,1′;4′,1″]terphenyl-4,4″-bis-amidine;     -   2′-Fluoro-[1,1′;4′,1″]terphenyl-4,4″-bis-N-hydroxycarboxamidine;     -   2′-Fluoro-[1,1′;4′,1″]terphenyl-4,4″-bis-methoxycarboxamidine;     -   2′-Trifluoromethyl-[1,1′;4′,1″]terphenyl-4,4″-bis-amidine;     -   2′-Trifluoromethyl-[1,1′;4′,1″]terphenyl-4,4″-bis-N-hydroxycarbox-amidine;     -   2′-Trifluoromethyl-[1,1′;4′,1″]terphenyl-4,4″-bis-methoxycarboxamidine;     -   1,4-Bis-(5′-amidinopyridin-2′-yl)-phenylene;     -   1,4-Bis-[5′-N-hydroxyamidinopyridin-2′-yl)]-phenylene;     -   1,4-Bis-[5′-N-methoxyamidinopyridin-2′-yl)]-phenylene;     -   5-[4′-(Hydrazono)-biphenyl-4-yl]-furan-2-hydrazone;     -   5-{4′-[2-(4,5-Dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-hydrazono]-biphenyl-4-yl}-furan-2-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-hydrazone;     -   5-[4-(2-Hydrazono)-furan-5-yl-phenyl]-furan-2-hydrazone;     -   5-{4-[2-(4,5-Dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-hydrazono]-furan-5-yl-phenyl}-furan-2-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-hydrazone;     -   4,4′-Bis-guanidino-[1,1′;4′,1″]terphenyl;     -   4,4′-Bis(N′-methyl)-guanidino-[1,1′;4′,1″]terphenyl;     -   4,4′-Bis(N′-isopropyl-guanidino-[1,1′;4′,1″]terphenyl;     -   1,4-Bis-(5′-guanidinopyridin-2′-yl)phenylene;     -   1,4-Bis-{5′-[(N′-isopropyl)-guanidino]-pyridin-2′yl}phenylene;     -   1,4-Bis[4-amidinophenyl]-2,5-bis[methoxy]benzene;     -   1,4-Bis[5-(N-ethoxycarbonylguanidino)pyridin-2-yl]benzene;     -   1,4-Bis[5-(N-ethoxycarbonyl-N′-methylguanidino)pyridin-2-yl]benzene;     -   1,4-Bis[5-(N-methylguanidino)pyridin-2-yl]benzene;     -   1-[4-amidinophenyl]-4-[4-amidinobenzyl]benzene; and         a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In some embodiments of the compound of Formula (I), Ar₂ is:

and wherein at least one of Z₁, A₁, and Y₁ is N, and the compound of Formula (I) has the following structure:

In some embodiments, A₁ is N and the compound of Formula (III) has the following structure:

In some embodiments, Ar₁ is phenylene, Ar₃ is furanyl, and the compound of Formula (IIIa) has the following structure:

In some embodiments, Ar₁ and Ar₃ are each phenylene, p is 0, and q is 1, and the compound of Formula (IIIa) has the following structure:

In some embodiments, Y₁ is N and the compound of Formula (III) has the following structure:

In some embodiments, Ar₁ and Ar₃ are each phenylene and the compound of Formula (IIIb) has the following structure:

In some embodiments, Ar₁ is phenylene and Ar₃ is furanyl and the compound of Formula (IIIb) has the following structure:

In some embodiments, Z₁ and Y₁ are each N and the compound of Formula (I) has the following structure:

In some embodiments, Ar₁ and Ar₃ are each phenylene and the compound of Formula (IIIc) has the following structure:

In some embodiments, A₁ and Y₁ are each N and the compound of Formula (III) has the following formula:

In some embodiments, the compound of Formula (III) is selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   N-Hydroxy-5-{6-[4-(N-hydroxyamidino)-phenyl]-pyridin-3-yl}-furan-2-carboxamidine;     -   5-[6-(4-Amidinophenyl)-pyridin-3-yl]-furan-2-carboxamidine;     -   Phenyl[1,1′]pyridyl[4′,1″]phenyl-4,4″-bis-carboxamidine;     -   Phenyl[1,1′]pyridyl[4′,1″]phenyl-4,4″-bis-N-hydroxycarbox-amidine;     -   Phenyl[1,1′]pyridyl[4′,1″]phenyl-4,4″-bis-N-methoxycarbox-amidine;     -   2-[4-(N-Hydroxyamidino)phenyl]-5-[4″-(N-hydroxyamidino)-benzyl]pyridine;     -   2-(4-Amidinophenyl)-5-(4″-amidinobenzyl)pyridine;     -   5-[4-(2-Hydrazono)-pyridin-5-yl-phenyl]-furan-2-hydrazone;     -   5-{4-[2-(4,5-Dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-hydrazono]-pyridin-5-yl-phenyl}-furan-2-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-hydrazone;     -   5-{4-[5-(4,5-Dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-hydrazono]-pyridin-2-yl-phenyl}-furan-2-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-hydrazone;     -   2,5-Bis-(4′-amidinophenyl)-pyrimidine;     -   2,5-Bis-[4′-(N-hydroxyamidino)phenyl]-pyrimidine;     -   2,5-Bis-[4′-(N-methoxyamidino)phenyl]-pyrimidine;     -   3,6-Bis[4-amidinophenyl]pyridazine;     -   3,6-Bis[4-N-hydroxyamidinophenyl]pyridazine;     -   3,6-Bis[4-N-methoxyamidinophenyl]pyridazine; and

a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In some embodiments of the compound of Formula (I), Ar₂ is napthyl and the compound of Formula (I) has the following structure:

In some embodiments, Ar₁ and Ar₃ are each phenylene and the compound of Formula (IV) has the following structure:

In some embodiments, the naphthyl group is substituted in the 1 and 4 positions and the compound of Formula (IVa) has the following structure:

In some embodiments, the naphthyl group is substituted in the 2 and 6 positions and the compound of Formula (IVa) has the following structure:

In some embodiments, the compound of Formula (I) is selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   Phenyl[1,1′]napthyl[4′,1″]phenyl-4,4″-bis-amidine;     -   Phenyl[1,1′]napthyl[4′,1″]phenyl-4,4″-bis-N-hydroxycarbox-amidine;     -   Phenyl[1,1′]napthyl[4′,1′]phenyl-4,4″-bis-N-methoxycarbox-amidine;     -   Phenyl[1,2′]napthyl[6′,1′]phenyl-4,4″-bis-amidine; and

a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In some embodiments of the compound of Formula (I), Ar₂ is:

and the compound of Formula (I) has the following formula:

In some embodiments, A₂ and Y₃ are each N and the compound of Formula (V) has the following formula:

In some embodiments, Ar₁ and Ar₃ are each phenylene and the compound of Formula (Va) has the following formula:

In some embodiments of the compounds of Formula (I-V), L₁ and L₂ are each:

In some embodiments of the compounds of Formula (I-V), L₁ and L₂ are each:

In some embodiments of the compounds of Formula (I-V), L₁ and L₂ are each:

In some embodiments, the compound of Formula (I-V) comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutically acceptable salt comprises a hydrochloride salt. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutically acceptable salt comprises an acetate salt.

II. B. Prodrugs

In representative embodiments, compounds disclosed herein are prodrugs. A prodrug means a compound that, upon administration to a recipient, is capable of providing (directly or indirectly) a compound of the presently disclosed subject matter or an inhibitorily active metabolite or residue thereof. Prodrugs can increase the bioavailability of the compounds of the presently disclosed subject matter when such compounds are administered to a subject (e.g., by allowing an orally administered compound to be more readily absorbedinto the blood) or can enhance delivery of the parent compound to a biological compartment (e.g., the brain or lymphatic system) relative to a metabolite species, for example. A number of the compounds (e.g., Compounds 18, 21, 24a, 25a, 24b, 25b, 50a, 50b, 50c, 57b, 57c, 57a, 24c, 25c, 67, 68, 33, 29, 3, 4) disclosed herein are prodrugs.

II.C. Pharmaceutically Acceptable Salts

Additionally, the active compounds as described herein can be administered as a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. Such pharmaceutically acceptable salts include the gluconate, lactate, acetate, tartarate, citrate, phosphate, borate, nitrate, sulfate, and hydrochloride salts. The salts of the compounds described herein can be prepared, for example, by reacting two equivalents of the base compound with the desired acidin solution. After the reaction is complete, the salts are crystallized from solution by the addition of an appropriate amount of solvent in which the salt is insoluble. In some embodiments, as describedin more detail herein below, the hydrochloride salt of an amidoxime compound is made by passing hydrogen chloride gas into an ethanolic solution of the free base. In some embodiments, as describedin more detail herein below, the acetate salt of the presently disclosed diamidine compounds and/or the corresponding N-methoxy analogues are made directly from the appropriate N-hydroxy analogue. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the pharmaceutically acceptable salt is a hydrochloride salt. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutically acceptable salt is an acetate salt.

III. Pharmaceutical Formulations

The compounds of Formula (I-V), the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, prodrugs corresponding to compounds of Formula (I-V), and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, are all referred to herein as “active compounds.” Pharmaceutical formulations comprising the aforementioned active compounds also are provided herein. These pharmaceutical formulations comprise active compounds as described herein, in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Pharmaceutical formulations can be prepared for oral, intravenous, or aerosol administration as discussedin greater detail below. Also, the presently disclosed subject matter provides such active compounds that have been lyophilized and that can be reconstituted to form pharmaceutically acceptable formulations for administration, for example, as by intravenous or intramuscular injection.

The therapeutically effective dosage of any specific active compound, the use of which is within the scope of embodiments described herein, will vary somewhat from compound to compound, and patient to patient, and will depend upon the condition of the patient and the route of delivery. As a general proposition, a dosage from about 0.1 to about 50 mg/kg will have therapeutic efficacy, with all weights being calculated based upon the weight of the active compound, including the cases where a salt is employed. Toxicity concerns at the higher level can restrict intravenous dosages to a lower level, such as up to about 10 mg/kg, with all weights being calculated based on the weight of the active base, including the cases where a salt is employed. A dosage from about 10 mg/kg to about 50 mg/kg can be employed for oral administration. Typically, a dosage from about 0.5 mg/kg to 5 mg/kg can be employed for intramuscular injection. Preferred dosages are 1 μmol/kg to 50 μmol/kg, and more preferably 22 μmol/kg and 33 μmol/kg of the compound for intravenous or oral administration. The duration of the treatment is usually once per day for a period of two to three weeks or until the condition is essentially controlled. Lower doses given less frequently can be used prophylactically to prevent or reduce the incidence of recurrence of the infection.

In accordance with the present methods, pharmaceutically active compounds as described herein can be administered orally as a solid or as a liquid, or can be administered intramuscularly or intravenously as a solution, suspension, or emulsion. Alternatively, the compounds or salts also can be administered by inhalation, intravenously, or intramuscularly as a liposomal suspension. When administered through inhalation the active compound or salt should be in the form of a plurality of solid particles or droplets having a particle size from about 0.5 to about 5 microns, and preferably from about 1 to about 2 microns.

Pharmaceutical formulations suitable for intravenous or intramuscular injection are further embodiments provided herein. The pharmaceutical formulations comprise a compound of Formula (I-V) described herein, a prodrug as described herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in any pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. If a solution is desired, water is the carrier of choice with respect to water-soluble compounds or salts. With respect to the water-soluble compounds or salts, an organic vehicle, such as glycerol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, or mixtures thereof, can be suitable. In the latter instance, the organic vehicle can contain a substantial amount of water. The solution in either instance can then be sterilized in a suitable manner known to those in the art, and typically by filtration through a 0.22-micron filter. Subsequent to sterilization, the solution can be dispensed into appropriate receptacles, such as depyrogenated glass vials. The dispensing is preferably done by an aseptic method. Sterilized closures can then be placed on the vials and, if desired, the vial contents can be lyophilized.

In addition to compounds of Formula (I-V) or their salts or prodrugs, the pharmaceutical formulations can contain other additives, such as pH-adjusting additives. In particular, useful pH-adjusting agents include acids, such as hydrochloric acid, bases or buffers, such as sodium lactate, sodium acetate, sodium phosphate, sodium citrate, sodium borate, or sodium gluconate. Further, the formulations can contain antimicrobial preservatives. Useful antimicrobial preservatives include methylparaben, propylparaben, and benzyl alcohol. The antimicrobial preservative is typically employed when the formulation is placedin a vial designed for multi-dose use. The pharmaceutical formulations described herein can be lyophilized using techniques well known in the art.

In yet another embodiment of the subject matter described herein, there is provided an injectable, stable, sterile formulation comprising a compound of Formula (I-V), or a salt thereof, in a unit dosage form in a sealed container. The compound or salt is provided in the form of a lyophilizate, which is capable of being reconstituted with a suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to form a liquid formulation suitable for injection thereof into a subject. The unit dosage form typically comprises from about 10 mg to about 10 grams of the compound salt. When the compound or salt is substantially water-insoluble, a sufficient amount of emulsifying agent, which is physiologically acceptable, can be employedin sufficient quantity to emulsify the compound or salt in an aqueous carrier. One such useful emulsifying agent is phosphatidyl choline.

Other pharmaceutical formulations can be prepared from the water-insoluble compounds disclosed herein, or salts thereof, such as aqueous base emulsions. In such an instance, the formulation will contain a sufficient amount of pharmaceutically acceptable emulsifying agent to emulsify the desired amount of the compound or salt thereof. Particularly useful emulsifying agents include phosphatidyl cholines and lecithin.

Additional embodiments provided herein include liposomal formulations of the active compounds disclosed herein. The technology for forming liposomal suspensions is well known in the art. When the compound is an aqueous-soluble salt, using conventional liposome technology, the same can be incorporatedinto lipid vesicles. In such an instance, due to the water solubility of the active compound, the active compound will be substantially entrained within the hydrophilic center or core of the liposomes. The lipid layer employed can be of any conventional composition and can either contain cholesterol or can be cholesterol-free. When the active compound of interest is water-insoluble, again employing conventional liposome formation technology, the salt can be substantially entrained within the hydrophobic lipid bilayer that forms the structure of the liposome. In either instance, the liposomes that are produced can be reduced in size, as through the use of standard sonication and homogenization techniques.

The liposomal formulations comprising the active compounds disclosed herein can be lyophilized to produce a lyophilizate, which can be reconstituted with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, such as water, to regenerate a liposomal suspension.

Pharmaceutical formulations also are provided which are suitable for administration as an aerosol by inhalation. These formulations comprise a solution or suspension of a desired compound described herein or a salt thereof, or a plurality of solid particles of the compound or salt. The desired formulation can be placed in a small chamber and nebulized. Nebulization can be accomplished by compressed air or by ultrasonic energy to form a plurality of liquid droplets or solid particles comprising the compounds or salts. The liquid droplets or solid particles should have a particle size in the range of about 0.5 to about 10 microns, more preferably from about 0.5 to about 5 microns. The solid particles can be obtained by processing the solid compound or a salt thereof, in any appropriate manner known in the art, such as by micronization. Most preferably, the size of the solid particles or droplets will be from about 1 to about 2 microns. In this respect, commercial nebulizers are available to achieve this purpose. The compounds can be administered via an aerosol suspension of respirable particles in a manner set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,984, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

When the pharmaceutical formulation suitable for administration as an aerosol is in the form of a liquid, the formulation will comprise a water-soluble active compound in a carrier that comprises water. A surfactant can be present, which lowers the surface tension of the formulation sufficiently to result in the formation of droplets within the desired size range when subjected to nebulization.

As indicated, both water-soluble and water-insoluble active compounds are provided. As used herein, the term “water-soluble” is meant to define any composition that is soluble in water in an amount of about 50 mg/mL, or greater. Also, as used herein, the term “water-insoluble” is meant to define any composition that has a solubility in water of less than about 20 mg/mL. In some embodiments, water-soluble compounds or salts can be desirable whereas in other embodiments water-insoluble compounds or salts likewise can be desirable.

IV. Methods for Treating Microbial Infections

Subjects with microbial infections can be treated by methods described herein. Such infections can be caused by a variety of microbes, including fungi, algae, protozoa, bacteria, and viruses. Exemplary microbial infections that can be treated by the method of the presently disclosed subject matter include, but are not limited to, infections caused by Trypanosoma spp. (e.g., Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, Trypanosoma brucei brucei, and Trypanosoma cruzi), Plasmodium spp. (e.g., Plasmodium falciparum), Mycobactedum tuberculosis, Pneumocystis carinii, Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium parvum, Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Salmonella typhimudum, Leishmania donovani, and Leishmania mexicana amazonensis. As used herein the terms Trypanosoma spp., Plasmodium spp., and Leishmania spp. encompass microbes classified under the genera Trypanosoma, Plasmodium, and Leishmania respectively.

The methods of the presently disclosed subject matter are useful for treating these conditions in that they inhibit the onset, growth, or spread of the condition, cause regression of the condition, cure the condition, or otherwise improve the general well-being of a subject afflicted with, or at risk of, contracting the condition. Thus, in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter, the terms “treat,” “treating,” and grammatical variations thereof, as well as the phrase “method of treating,” are meant to encompass any desired therapeutic intervention, including but not limited to a method for treating an existing infection in a subject, and a method for the prophylaxis (i.e., preventing) of infection, such as in a subject that has been exposed to a microbe as disclosed herein or that has an expectation of being exposed to a microbe as disclosed herein.

The methods for treating microbial infections comprise administering to a subject in need thereof an active compound as described herein. These active compounds, as set forth above, include compounds of Formula (I-V), their corresponding prodrugs, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds and prodrugs.

With regard to the presently described method embodiments, compounds of Formula (I) can be defined as having a structure as follows: L₁-Ar₁—(CH₂)_(p)—Ar₂—(CH₂)_(q)—Ar₃-L₂  (I) wherein:

p and q are each independently an integer from 0 to 8;

Ar₁ and Ar₃ are independently selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   wherein:     -   A, Y, and Z are independently selected from the group consisting         of N and CR₄, and wherein R₄ is selected from the group         consisting of H, hydroxyl, halo, nitro, alkyl, substituted         alkyl, alkoxyl, aryl, substituted aryl, and aryloxyl;     -   X is selected from the group consisting of O, S, NH, and Se;     -   each m is independently an integer from 0 to 4;     -   each s is independently an integer from 0 to 2;     -   each R₁, R₂, and R₃ is independently selected from the group         consisting of H, hydroxyl, halo, nitro, alkyl, substituted         alkyl, alkoxyl, aryl, substituted aryl, and aryloxyl;

Ar₂ is selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   wherein:     -   A_(1, A) ₂, A₃, Y₁, Y₂, Y₃, Z₁, Z₂, and Z₃ are independently         selected from the group consisting of N and CR₇, and wherein R₇         is selected from the group consisting of H, hydroxyl, halo,         nitro, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkoxyl, aryl, substituted         aryl, and aryloxyl;     -   each m is independently an integer from 0 to 4;     -   each t is independently an integer from 0 to 6;     -   each R₅, R₆, R₈, R₉ and R₁₀ is independently selected from the         group consisting of H, hydroxyl, halo, nitro, alkyl, substituted         alkyl, alkoxyl, aryl, substituted aryl, and aryloxyl;

L₁ and L₂ are selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   wherein:         -   R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₃, R₁₄, R₁₅, and R₂₀ are each independently             selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, substituted             alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, aralkyl,             hydroxyl, alkoxyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxycycloalkyl,             alkoxycycloalkyl, aminoalkyl, acyloxyl, alkylaminoalkyl, and             alkoxycarbonyl; or         -   R₁₁ and R₁₂ together represent a C₂ to C₁₀ alkyl, C₂ to C₁₀             hydroxyalkyl, or a C₂ to C₁₀ alkylene; or         -   R₁₁ and R₁₂ together are:

-   -   -   wherein u is an integer from 1 to 4, and R₁₆ is H or             —CONHR₁₇NR₁₈R₁₉, wherein R₁₇ is alkyl, and R₁₈ and R₁₉ are             each independently selected from the group consisting of H             and alkyl;             or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In some embodiments, Ar₂ is phenylene and the compound of Formula (I) has the following structure:

In some embodiments, Ar₁ is phenylene and Ar₃ is furanyl and the compound of Formula (II) has the following structure:

In some embodiments, Ar₁ and Ar₃ are each furanyl and the compound of Formula (II) has the following structure:

In some embodiments, Ar₁ and Ar₃ are each phenylene and the compound of Formula (II) has the following structure:

In some embodiments, Ar₁ and Ar₃ are each:

wherein at least one of each A and each Y are N, and wherein the compound of Formula (II) has the following structure:

In some embodiments, the compound of Formula (II) is selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   N-Hydroxy-5-[4′-(N-hydroxyamidino)-biphenyl-4-yl]-furan-2-carboxamidine;     -   N-Methoxy-5-[4′-(N-methoxyamidino)-biphenyl-4-yl]-furan-2-carboxamidine;     -   5-(4′-Amidinobiphenyl-4-yl]-furan-2-carboxamidine;     -   N-Hydroxy-5-{4-[5-(N-hydroxyamidino)-furan-2-yl]-phenyl}-furan-2-carboxamidine;     -   5-[4-(5-amidinofuran-2-yl)-phenyl]-furan-2-carboxamidine;     -   [1,1′;4′,1″]Terphenyl-4,4″-bis-N-hydroxycarboxamidine;     -   [1,1′;4′,1″]Terphenyl-4,4″-bis-N-acetoxycarboxamidine;     -   [1,1′;4′,1″]Terphenyl-4,4″-bis-carboxamidine;     -   [1,1′;4′,1″]Terphenyl-4,4″-bis-N-methoxycarboxamidine;     -   2′-Fluoro-[1,1′;4′,1″]terphenyl-4,4″-bis-amidine;     -   2′-Fluoro-[1,1′;4′,1″]terphenyl-4,4″-bis-N-hydroxycarboxamidine;     -   2′-Fluoro-[1,1′;4′,1″]terphenyl-4,4″-bis-methoxycarboxamidine;     -   2′-Trifluoromethyl-[1,1′;4′,1″]terphenyl-4,4″-bis-amidine;     -   2′-Trifluoromethyl-[1,1′;4′,1″]terphenyl-4,4″-bis-N-hydroxycarbox-amidine;     -   2′-Trifluoromethyl-[1,1′;4′,1″]terphenyl-4,4″-bis-methoxycarboxamidine;     -   1,4-Bis-(5′-amidinopyridin-2′-yl)-phenylene;     -   1,4-Bis-[5′-N-hydroxyamidinopyridin-2′-yl)]-phenylene;     -   1,4-Bis-[5′-N-methoxyamidinopyridin-2′-yl)]-phenylene;     -   5-[4′-(Hydrazono)-biphenyl4-yl]-furan-2-hydrazone;     -   5-{4′-[2-(4,5-Dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-hydrazono]-biphenyl-4-yl}-furan-2-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-hydrazone;     -   5-[4-(2-Hydrazono)-furan-5-yl-phenyl]-furan-2-hydrazone;     -   5-{4-[2-(4,5-Dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-hydrazono]-furan-5-yl-phenyl}-furan-2-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-hydrazone;     -   4,4″-Bis-guanidino-[1,1′;4′,1″]terphenyl;     -   4,4″-Bis(N′-methyl)-guanidino-[1,1′;4′,1″]terphenyl;     -   4,4″-Bis(N′-isopropyl-guanidino-[1,1′;4′,1″]terphenyl;     -   1,4-Bis-(5′-guanidinopyridin-2′-yl)phenylene;     -   1,4-Bis-{5′-[(N′-isopropyl)-guanidino]-pyridin-2′yl}phenylene;     -   1,4-Bis[4-amidinophenyl]-2,5-bis[methoxy]benzene;     -   1,4-Bis[5-(N-ethoxycarbonylguanidino)pyridin-2-yl]benzene;     -   1,4-Bis[5-(N-ethoxycarbonyl-N′-methylguanidino)pyridin-2-yl]benzene;     -   1,4-Bis[5-(N-methylguanidino)pyridin-2-yl]benzene;     -   1-[4-amidinophenyl]4-[4-amidinobenzyl]benzene; and         a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In some embodiments of the compound of Formula (I), Ar₂ is:

and wherein at least one of Z₁, A₁, and Y₁ is N, and the compound of Formula (I) has the following structure:

In some embodiments, A₁ is N and the compound of Formula (I) has the following structure:

In some embodiments, Ar₁ is phenylene, Ar₃ is furanyl, and the compound of Formula (IIIa) has the following structure:

In some embodiments, Ar₁ and Ar₃ are each phenylene, p is 0, and q is 1, and the compound of Formula (IIIa) has the following structure:

In some embodiments, Y₁ is N and the compound of Formula (III) has the following structure:

In some embodiments, Ar₁ and Ar₃ are each phenylene and the compound of Formula (IIIb) has the following structure:

In some embodiments, Ar₁ is phenylene and Ar₃ is furanyl and the compound of Formula (IIIb) has the following structure:

In some embodiments, Z₁ and Y₁ are each N and the compound of Formula (I) has the following structure:

In some embodiments, Ar₁ and Ar₃ are each phenylene and the compound of Formula (IIIc) has the following structure:

In some embodiments, A₁ and Y₁ are each N and the compound of Formula (III) has the following formula:

In some embodiments, the compound of Formula (III) is selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   N-Hydroxy-5-{6-[4-(N-hydroxyamidino)-phenyl]-pyridin-3-yl}-furan-2-carboxamidine;     -   5-[6-(4-Amidinophenyl)-pyridin-3-yl]-furan-2-carboxamidine;     -   Phenyl[1,1′]pyridyl[4′,1″]phenyl-4,4″-bis-carboxamidine;     -   Phenyl[1,1′]pyridyl[4′,1″]phenyl-4,4″-bis-N-hydroxycarbox-amidine;     -   Phenyl[1,1′]pyridyl[4′,1″]phenyl-4,4″-bis-N-methoxycarbox-amidine;     -   2-[4-(N-Hydroxyamidino)phenyl]-5-[4′-(N-hydroxyamidino)-benzyl]pyridine;     -   2-(4-Amidinophenyl)-5-(4″-amidinobenzyl)pyridine;     -   5-[4-(2-Hydrazono)-pyridin-5-yl-phenyl]-furan-2-hydrazone;     -   5-{4-[2-(4,5-Dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-hydrazono]-pyridin-5-yl-phenyl}-furan-2-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-hydrazone;     -   5-{4-[5-(4,5-Dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-hydrazono]-pyridin-2-yl-phenyl}-furan-2-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-hydrazone;     -   2,5-Bis-(4′-amidinophenyl)-pyrimidine;     -   2,5-Bis-[4′-(N-hydroxyamidino)phenyl]-pyrimidine;     -   2,5-Bis-[4′-(N-methoxyamidino)phenyl]-pyrimidine;     -   3,6-Bis[4-amidinophenyl]pyridazine;     -   3,6-Bis[4-N-hydroxyamidinophenyl]pyridazine;     -   3,6-Bis[4-N-methoxyamidinophenyl]pyridazine; and

a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In some embodiments of the compound of Formula (I), Ar₂ is napthyl and the compound of Formula (I) has the following structure:

In some embodiments, Ar₁ and Ar₃ are each phenylene and the compound of Formula (IV) has the following structure:

In some embodiments, the naphthyl group is substituted in the 1 and 4 positions and the compound of Formula (IVa) has the following structure:

In some embodiments, the naphthyl group is substituted in the 2 and 6 positions and the compound of Formula (IVa) has the following structure:

In some embodiments, the compound of Formula (I) is selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   Phenyl[1,1′]napthyl[4′,1″]phenyl-4,4″-bis-amidine;     -   Phenyl[1,1′]napthyl[4′,1″]phenyl-4,4″-bis-N-hydroxycarbox-amidine;     -   Phenyl[1,1′]napthyl[4′,1″]phenyl-4,4″-bis-N-methoxycarbox-amidine;     -   Phenyl[1,2′]napthyl[6′,1″]phenyl-4,4″-bis-amidine; and

a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In some embodiments of the compound of Formula (I), Ar₂ is:

and the compound of Formula (I) has the following formula:

In some embodiments, A₂ and Y₃ are each N and the compound of Formula (V) has the following formula:

In some embodiments, Ar₁ and Ar₃ are each phenylene and the compound of Formula (Va) has the following formula:

In some embodiments of the compounds of Formula (I-V), L₁ and L₂ are each:

In some embodiments of the compounds of Formula (I-V), L₁ and L₂ are each:

In some embodiments of the compounds of Formula (I-V), L₁ and L₂ are each:

In some embodiments, the compound of Formula (I-V) comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutically acceptable salt comprises a hydrochloride salt. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutically acceptable salt comprises an acetate salt.

In some embodiments, the compound of Formula (I-V) is administeredin the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutically acceptable salt comprises a hydrochloride salt. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutically acceptable salt comprises an acetate salt.

In some embodiments, the microbial infection comprises an infection caused by a Trypanosoma spp., including, but not limited to, Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, Trypanosoma brucei brucei, and Trypanosoma cruzi. In some embodiments, the microbial infection comprises a Plasmodium falciparum infection. In some embodiments, the microbial infection comprises an infection caused by a Leishmania spp., including, but not limited to, Leishmania donovani and Leishmania mexicana amazonensis.

In some embodiments, the compound of Formula (I-V) is administered to a subject with an existing microbial infection. In some embodiments, the compound of Formula (I-V) is administered prophylactically to prevent a microbial infection or to prevent the recurrence of a microbial infection. Thus, in some embodiments, the compound of Formula (I-V) is administered prophylactically to prevent or reduce the incidence of one of: (a) a microbial infection in a subject at risk of infection; (b) a recurrence of the microbial infection; and (c) combinations thereof.

The subject treated in the presently disclosed subject matter in its many embodiments is desirably a human subject, although it is to be understood the methods described herein are effective with respect to all vertebrate species, which are intended to be included in the term “subject.” The methods described herein are particularly useful in the treatment and/or prevention of infectious diseases in warm-blooded vertebrates. Thus, the methods can be used as treatment for mammals and birds.

More particularly, provided herein is the treatment of mammals, such as humans, as well as those mammals of importance due to being endangered (such as Siberian tigers), of economical importance (animals raised on farms for consumption by humans) and/or social importance (animals kept as pets or in zoos) to humans, for instance, carnivores other than humans (such as cats and dogs), swine (pigs, hogs, and wild boars), ruminants (such as cattle, oxen, sheep, giraffes, deer, goats, bison, and camels), and horses. Also provided herein is the treatment of birds, including the treatment of those kinds of birds that are endangered, kept in zoos, as well as fowl, and more particularly domesticated fowl, i.e., poultry, such as turkeys, chickens, ducks, geese, guinea fowl, and the like, as they also are of economical importance to humans. Thus, embodiments of the methods described herein include the treatment of livestock, including, but not limited to, domesticated swine (pigs and hogs), ruminants, horses, poultry, and the like.

V. General Processes for the Synthesis of Compounds of Formula (I)

The synthetic procedures provided herein below comprise representative novel methods of producing the presently disclosed compounds. The methods are outlined in Schemes 1-16 presented herein below and representative, non-limiting embodiments are describedin the Examples.

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a method for preparing a compound of Formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, the method comprising:

(a) forming a teraryl dinitrile compound by one of:

-   -   (i) contacting a halogenated aryl nitrile and a         1,4-phenylenebisboronic acid in the presence of a palladium         catalyst and a first base in a first aprotic solvent to form a         teraryl dinitrile compound;     -   (ii) contacting a dihalogenated aryl compound with         p-cyanophenylboronic acidin the presence of a palladium catalyst         and a first base in a first aprotic solvent to form a teraryl         dinitrile compound;     -   (iii) contacting a teraryl dialdehyde compound with         hydroxylamine hydrochloride followed by refluxing in acetic         anhydride for a period of time to form a teraryl dinitrile         compound;     -   (iv) contacting a teraryl dihalide compound with cuprous cyanide         in a first aprotic solvent to form a teraryl dinitrile compound;         and     -   (v) contacting a halogenated diarylnitrile with a palladium         catalyst and hexa-n-butyiditin in a first aprotic solvent;

(b) contacting the teraryl dinitrile compound with one of:

-   -   (i) a mixture of hydroxyamine hydrochloride and a second base in         a second aprotic solvent to form a dicationic teraryl compound         of Formula (I), wherein the dicationic teraryl compound of         Formula (I) comprises a diamidoxime teraryl compound of Formula         (I); and     -   (ii) a lithium trialkylsilylamide in an second aprotic solvent,         followed by a strong acid to form a dicationic teraryl compound         of Formula (I), wherein the dicationic teraryl compound of         Formula (I) comprises a diamidino compound of Formula (I).

In some embodiments, the method further comprises a step selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   (a) contacting the diamidoxime teraryl compound of Formula (I)         with a metal hydroxide hydrate followed by a dialkyl sulfate to         form a dicationic teraryl compound of Formula (I), wherein the         dicationic teraryl compound of Formula (I) comprises a         dialkoxyamidino teraryl compound of Formula (I);     -   (b) contacting the diamidoxime teraryl compound of Formula (I)         with acetic acid and acetic anhydride followed by hydrogen and a         palladium-on-carbon catalyst to form a dicationic teraryl         compound of Formula (I), wherein the dicationic teraryl compound         of Formula (I) comprises a diamidino teraryl compound of Formula         (I); and     -   (c) dissolving the diamidoxime teraryl compound of Formula (I)         in glacial acetic acid and adding acetic anhydride to form a         diacetoxyamidino teraryl compound of Formula (I).

In some embodiments, the method comprises forming a teraryl dialdehyde compound by one of:

-   -   (a) contacting 4-formylphenylboronic acid with a         5-(haloaryl)-furan-2-carboxaldehyde in the presence of a         palladium catalyst and a third base to form a teraryl dialdehyde         compound;     -   (b) contacting 4-formylphenylboronic acid with a dihaloaryl         compoundin the presence of a palladium catalyst and a third base         to form a halogenated diaryl aldehyde, followed by contacting         the halogenated diaryl aldehyde with a palladium catalyst and         5-(diethoxymethyl-furan-2-yl)-trimethylstannane to form a         teraryl dialdehyde compound;     -   (c) contacting a 5-halofuran-2-carboxaldehyde and         1,4-phenylenebisboronic acid in the presence of a palladium         catalyst and a third base to form a teraryl dialdehyde compound;         and     -   (d) contacting a dihaloaryl compound with         (5-diethoxymethyl-furan-2-yl)-trimethyl-stannane and a palladium         catalyst, followed by a strong acid to form a         2-haloaryl-5-formyl furan, followed by contacting the         2-haloaryl-5-formyl furan with 4-formylphenylboronic acid in the         presence of a second palladium catalyst and a third base to form         a teraryl dialdehyde compound.

In some embodiments, the method comprises forming a teraryl dihalide compound by:

-   -   (a) contacting 1,4-dibromobenzene and 2-tributylstannylfuran in         the presence of a palladium catalyst to form         2-(4-furan-2-yl-phenyl)-furan; and     -   (b) contacting 2-(4-furan-2-yl-phenyl)-furan with         N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) in a third aprotic solvent to form a         dibromide.

In some embodiments, the halogenated aryl nitrile is selected from the group consisting of 4-bromobenzonitrile and 6-chloronicotinonitrile. In some embodiments, the dihalogenated aryl compound is selected from the group consisting of: 2,5-dibromo-1-fluorobenzene; 1,4-dibromo-2trifluoromethylbenzene; 2,5-dibromopyridine, 2-chloro-5-bromopyrimidine; 2-chloro-5-(chloromethyl)pyridine), 1,4-dibromonaphthalene, and 2,6-dibromonaphthalene.

In some embodiments the presently disclosed subject matter provides a method for preparing a dicationic teraryl compound of Formula (I), the method comprising:

-   -   (a) providing a teraryl diamine;     -   (b) contacting the teraryl diamine with one of         -   (i) a mixture of             1,3-bis(t-butoxycarbonyl)-2-methylthiopseudourea and a             tertiary amine followed by mercury(II) chloride; and         -   (ii) ethyl isothiocyanatoformate, a primary amine, a             water-soluble carbodiimide, and a tertiary amine;         -   to form a bis-(alkoxycarbonyl)-guanidino teraryl compound;             and     -   (c) contacting the bis-(alkoxycarbonyl)-guanidino teraryl         compound with one of an acid and a hydroxide to form a         dicationic teraryl compound of Formula (I), wherein the         dicationic teraryl compound of Formula (I) comprises a         bis-guanidino teraryl compound of Formula (I).

In some embodiments, the teraryl diamine is formed by

-   -   (a) contacting a halogenated nitroaryl compound with         1,4-phenylenebisboronic acid in the presence of a palladium         catalyst and a base to form a dinitro teraryl compound; and     -   (b) contacting the dinitro teraryl compound with a         palladium-on-carbon catalyst and hydrogen to form the teraryl         diamine.

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a method for preparing a dicationic teraryl compound of Formula (I), the method comprising:

(a) providing a teraryl dialdehyde; and

(b) contacting the teraryl dialdehyde with one of

-   -   (i) aminoguanidine and a base in a polar, protic solvent to form         a dicationic teraryl compound of Formula (I), wherein the         dicationic teraryl compound of Formula (I) comprises a         bis-hydrazone teraryl compound of Formula (I); and     -   (ii) 2-hydrazino-2-imidazoline and a base in a polar, protic         solvent to form a dicationic teraryl compound of Formula (I),         wherein the dicationic teraryl compound of Formula (I) comprises         a bis-hydrazone teraryl compound of Formula (I).

EXAMPLES

The following Examples have been included to provide guidance to one of ordinary skill in the art for practicing representative embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. In light of the present disclosure and the general level of skill in the art, those of skill can appreciate that the following Examples are intended to be exemplary only and that numerous changes, modifications, and alterations can be employed without departing from the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter.

Methods and Materials

Melting points were recorded using a Thomas-Hoover (Uni-Melt) capillary melting point apparatus (Thomas Scientific, Swedesboro, N.J., United States of America) and are uncorrected. TLC analysis was carried out on silica gel 60 F₂₅₄ precoated aluminum sheets and detected under UV light. ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra were recorded employing a Varian GX400 or Varian Unity Plus 300 spectrometer (Varian, Inc., Palo Alto, Calif., United States of America), and chemical shifts (δ) are in ppm relative to TMS as internal standard. Mass spectra were recorded on a VG analytical 70-SE spectrometer (VG Analytical, Ltd., Manchester, United Kingdom). Elemental analyses were obtained from Atlantic Microlab Inc. (Norcross, Ga., United States of America) and are within ±0.4 of the theoretical values. The compounds reported as salts frequently analyzed correctly for fractional moles by water and/or ethanol of solvation. In each case, proton NMR showed the presence of indicated solvent (s). Aldrich Chemical Co. (St. Louis, Mo., United States of America), Fisher Scientific (Fairlawn, N.J., United States of America), Frontier Scientific (Logan, Utah, United States of America) or Lancaster Synthesis, Inc. (Windham, N.H., United States of America).

Example 1

5-(4′-Formylbiphenyl-4-yl)-furan-2-carboxaldehyde (1). To a stirred solution of 5-(4-bromophenyl)-furan-2-carboxaldehyde (5 mmol), and tetrakis(triphenylphosphine) palladium (200 mg) in toluene (10 mL) under a nitrogen atmosphere was added 5 mL of a 2 M aqueous solution of Na₂CO₃ followed by 4-formylphenylboronic acid (6 mmol) in 5 mL of methanol. The vigorously stirred mixture was warmed to 80 ° C. for 12 h. The solvent was evaporated, the precipitate was partitioned between methylene chloride (200 mL) and 2 M aqueous Na₂CO₃ (15 mL) containing 3 mL of concentrated ammonia. The organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄), and then concentrated to dryness under reduced pressure to afford 1 in 85% yield; mp 173-174 ° C. (SiO₂, hexanes/EtOAc, 70:30). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 7.42 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.70 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.93-8.01 (m, 8H), 9.64 (s, 1H), 10.07 (s, 1H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 192.7, 177.9, 157.6, 151.8, 144.6, 139.6, 135.3, 130.2, 128.6, 127.9, 127.3, 125.7, 109.5. MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 276 (M⁺, 100), 247 (5), 219 (25), 189 (25). Anal. Calc. for C₈H₁₂O₃: C %, 78.24; H %, 4.37. Found C %, 77.99; H %, 4.44.

5-(4′-Cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)-furan-2-carbonitrile (2). To a stirred solution of 1 (2 mmol) in 10 mL of methanol was slowly added an aqueous solution (8 mL) of hydroxylamine hydrochloride (4 mmol) and sodium carbonate (4 mmol). The reaction mixture was allowed to reflux for 6 h. The solvent was evaporated, the precipitate was partitioned between water and ethyl acetate (150 mL), the organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄), and then concentrated to dryness under reduced pressure. The crude oxime was allowed to reflux in acetic anhydride (8 mL) for 4 h. The reaction mixture was poured slowly onto ice water and the precipitate was filtered and washed with water to afford 2 in 89% yield; mp 216-218° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 7.38 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.75 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.88-7.96 (m, 8H). ¹³C NMR ((DMSO-d₆); δ 157.4, 143.4, 138.9, 132.9, 128.3, 127.8, 127.5, 125.8, 125.4, 124.3, 118.7, 112.0, 110.4, 108.3. MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 270 (M⁺, 100), 241 (5), 214 (10). Anal. Calc. for C₁₈H₁₀N₂O: C %, 79.99; H %, 3.73. Found C %, 79.85: H %, 3.91.

N-Hydroxy-5-[4′-(N-hydroxyamidino)-biphenyl-4-yl]-furan-2-carboxamidine (3). A mixture of hydroxylamine hydrochloride (1.83 g, 26.3 mmol, 10 equiv) in anhydrous DMSO (30 mL) was cooled to 5 ° C., and then potassium t-butoxide (2.95 g, 26.3 mmol, 10 equiv) was added portion wise. To the mixture was added the dinitrile 2 (2.6 mmol) and the reaction was kept stirring overnight at room temperature. The reaction mixture was poured onto ice/water whereupon a white precipitate of the bisamidoxime was formed. The product was collected by filtration and washed with water to afford 3 (free base) in 92% yield; mp 229-230° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 5.87 (s, 4H), 6.85 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.06 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.71-7.87 (m, 8H), 9.70 (s, 2H).

3 Hydrochloride salt. mp>300° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆); 7.38 (d, J=3.9 Hz, 1H), 7.82(d, J=3.9 Hz, 1H), 7.87(d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.92 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 8.01 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 8.15 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 9.14 (brs, 4H), 11.36 (brs, 2H), 13.19 (brs, 2H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 158.7, 158.5, 148.7, 143.5, 138.8, 138.4, 128.6, 128.5, 127.4, 126.9, 125.5, 124.6, 119.2, 108.8. MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 337 (M⁺, 65), 322 (50), 307 (100), 272 (40). Anal. Calc. for C₁₈H₁₆N₄O₃-2.0HCl: C %, 52.82; H %, 4.43; N %, 13.68. Found C %, 52.60, H %, 4.45, N %, 13.30.

N-Methoxy-5-[4′-(N-methoxyamidino)-biphenyl-4-yl]-furan-2-carboxamidine (4). To a suspension of the amidoxime 3 (1 mmol) in DMF (15 mL) was added LiOH.H₂O (6 mmol, in 3 mL H₂O) followed by dimethyl sulfate (5 mmol). The reaction was kept stirring overnight after which it was poured onto ice/water and the precipitate was filtered, washed with water and dried to give the desired compound in 92% yield; mp 214-215° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 3.75 (s, 6H), 6.12 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 6.17 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.76-8.00 (m, 8H).

4 Hydrochloride salt. mp 194-196° C. ¹H NMR (D₂O/DMSO-d₆); δ 3.88 (s, 6H), 7.20 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.34 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.77-8.13 (m, 8H). Anal. Calc. for C₂₀H₂₀N₄O₃-2.0HCl: C %, 54.92; H %, 5.07; N %, 10.97. Found C %, 54.88; H %, 5.29; N %, 10.99.

5-(4′-Amidinobiphenyl-4-yl)-furan-2-carboxamidine acetate salt (5). To a solution of 3 (1 mmol) in glacial acetic acid (10 mL) was slowly added acetic anhydride (0.35 mL). After stirring for overnight TLC indicated complete acylation of the starting material, then was added 10% palladium on carbon (80 mg). The mixture was placed on Parr hydrogenation apparatus at 50 psi for 4 h at room temperature. The mixture was filtered through hyflo and the filter pad washed with water. The filtrate was evaporated under reduced pressure and the precipitate was collected and washed with etherto give 5 in 71% yield, mp 236-238° C. ¹H NMR (D₂O/DMSO-d₆); δ 1.78 (s, 2×CH₃), 7.31 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.61 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.85-8.11 (m, 8H). EIMS m/e (rel. int.); 304 (M⁺, 20), 287 (100), 270 (50), 216 (30), 190 (10). High resolution Calc. for C₁₈H₁₆N₄O ms 304. 13241. Observed 5 304. 13201. Anal. Calc. for C₁₆H₁₄N₄O₂-2.0AcOH-1.75H₂O-0.25EtOH: C %, 57.81; H %, 6.25; N %, 11.98. Found C %, 58.18; H %, 5.90; N %, 11.56.

Example 2

4-(5-Bromopyridin-2-yl)-benzaldehyde (6).The same procedure described for 1 was used by employing 2,5-dibromopyridine (1 equiv.) and 4-formylphenyl boronic acid (1 equiv.). Yield 71%, mp 120-121° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 7.97 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 8.04 (d, J=8.7Hz, 1H), 8.16 (dd, J=2.4, 8.7Hz, 1H), 8.26 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 8.80 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 10.08 (s, 1H). MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 262 (M⁺, 100), 232 (30), 153 (55). Anal. Calc. for C₁₂H₈BrNO: C %, 54.99; H %, 3.08. Found C %, 54.75; H %, 3.14.

5-[6-(4-Formylphenyl)-pyridin-3-yl]-furan-2-carboxaldehyde (7). To a stirred solution of 6 (10 mmol) in 40 mL dry 1,4-dioxane was added palladium tetrakis-triphenylphosphine (400 mg), then 5-(diethoxymethyl-furan-2-yl)-trimethylstannane (10 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was refluxed at 100° C. for 24 h. The solvent was then evaporated to dryness to give a dark brown residue that was suspended in water and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was passed over hyflo, dried (Na₂SO₄) and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure, followed by acid hydrolysis with 2M HCl to furnish 7. Yield 79%; mp 204-206° C. (EtOH). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 7.55 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.73 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 8.06 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 8.27 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 8.37-8.41 (m, 3H), 9.24 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 1H), 9.67 (s, 1H), 10.09 (s, 1H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 192.8, 178.1, 155.2, 154.7, 152.3, 146.3, 142.9, 136.5, 133.3, 130.0, 127.2, 125.1, 124.3, 121.4, 110.6. Anal. Calc. for C₁₇H₁₁NO₃: C %, 73.63; H %, 3.99. Found C %, 73.75; H %, 3.81.

5-[6-(4-Cyanophenyl)-pyridin-3-yl]-furan-2-carbonitrile (8). The same procedure described for 2 was used starting with 7. Yield 40%, mp 203-205° C. ¹H NMR DMSO-d₆); δ 7.53 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.82 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 8.00 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 8.27 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 8.35-8.37 (m, 3H), 9.21 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 1H). Anal. Calc. for C₁₇H₉N₃O: C %, 75.26; H %, 3.34. Found C %, 75.44; H %, 3.54.

N-Hydroxy-5-{6-[4-(N-hydroxyamidino)-phenyl]-pyridin-3-yl}-furan-2-carboxamidine (9). The same procedure described for 3 was used starting with 8. Yield 90%; mp 194-195° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 5.89 (s, 2H), 5.95 (s, 2H), 6.90 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.22 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 8.00 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 8.07-8.26 (m, 4H), 9.11 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 1H), 9.76 (s, 2H). Anal. Calc. for C₁₇H₁₅N₅O₃: C %, 60.52; H %, 4.48. Found C %, 60.73; H %, 4.22.

5-[6-(4-Amidinophenyl)-pyridin-3-yl]-furan-2-carboxamidine acetate salt (10). The same procedure described for 5 was used starting with 9. Yield 57%, mp 239-241° C. ¹H NMR (D₂O/DMSO-d₆); δ 1.93 (s, 3×CH₃), 7.31 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.42 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.92 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 8.15-8.37 (m, 4H), 9.24 (s, 1H). EIMS m/e (rel. int.); 305 (M⁺+1, 55), 289 (10), 273 (15), 237 (100). High resolution Calc. for C₁₇H₁₆N₅O ms 306. 1354. Observed 306. 1349. Anal. Calc. for C₁₇H₁₅N₅O-3.0AcOH-2.4H₂O: C %, 52.25; H %, 6.02; N %, 13.25. Found. C %, 51.95; H %, 5.70; N %, 12.90.

Example 3

5-[4-(5-Formylfuran-2-yl)-phenyl]-furan-2-carboxaldehyde (11). To a stirred solution of 5-bromofuran-2-carboxaldehyde (10 mmol), and tetrakis(triphenylphosphine) palladium (400 mg) in toluene (20 mL) under a nitrogen atmosphere was added 10 mL of a 2 M aqueous solution of Na₂CO₃ followed by 1,4-phenylenebisboronic acid (5 mmol) in 6 mL of methanol. The vigorously stirred mixture was warmed to 80° C. for 12 h. The solvent was evaporated, the precipitate was partitioned between methylene chloride (300 mL) and 2 M aqueous Na₂CO₃ (15 mL) containing 5 mL of concentrated ammonia. The organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄), and then concentrated to dryness under reduced pressure to afford 11 in 93% yield; mp 233-234° C. (EtOH). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 9.64 (s, 2H), 8.01 (s, 4H), 7.70 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 2H), 7.43 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 2H). MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 266 (M⁺, 100), 238 (5), 209 (25). Anal. Calc. for C₁₆H₁₀O₄: C %, 72.16; H %, 3.78. Found C %, 72.41; H %, 3.93.

2-(4-Furan-2-yl-phenyl)-furan (15). To a stirred solution of 1,4-dibromobenzene (5 mmol) was added palladium tetrakis-triphenylphosphine (400 mg). The reaction mixture was kept stirring for 15 min after which 2-tributylstannylfuran (10 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was refluxed at 100° C. for 24 h. The solvent was then evaporated to dryness to give a dark brown residue that was suspended in water and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was passed over hyflo, dried (Na₂SO₄) and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure to give 15 in 91% yield; mp 149-150° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 6.62 (d, 2H), 7.01 (d, 2H), 7.76-7.79 (m, 6H). MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 210 (M⁺, 100), 181 (40), 153 (30). Anal. Calc. for C₁₄H₁₀O₂: C %, 79.98; H %, 4.79. Found C %, 80.12; H %, 4.59.

2-Bromo-5-[4-(5-bromofuran-2-yl)-phenyl]-furan (16). To an ice bath cooled solution of 15 (5 mmol) in 20 mL DMF was added NBS (12 mmol) in portions. The reaction mixture was kept stirring at room temperature for overnight, after which it was poured onto ice/water. The precipitate formed was collected by filtration and washed with water then dried, yield 85%; mp 155-157° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 6.74 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 2H), 7.10 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 2H), 7.72 (dd, J=4.2, 8.7 Hz, 4H). MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 366, 368 (M⁺, 100:30), 339 (40), 259 (45). Anal. Calc. for C₁₄H₈Br₂O₂: C %, 45.69; H %, 2.19. Found C %, 45.52; H %, 2.32.

5-[4-(5-Cyanofuran-2-yl)-phenyl]-furan-2-carbonitrile (12).

-   Method I: The same procedure described for 2 was used starting with     11, to afford 12 in 30% yield. -   Method II: To a solution of the dibromide 16 (6.25 g, 17 mmol) in     dry DMF (40 mL), was added cuprous cyanide (4.58 g, 51 mmol). The     reaction was heated under reflux for 24 h, poured onto ice/water, 5     mL concentrated ammonia solution was added to the mixture which was     then extracted with methylene chloride (3×150 mL). The organic layer     was dried (anhydrous Na₂SO₄) and evaporated to dryness to give 12 in     45% yield; mp 245-246° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 7.39 (d, J=3.6 Hz,     2H), 7.75 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 2H), 7.96 (s, 4H). MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.):     260 (M^(+,)100), 206 (15), 177 (25). Anal. Calc. for C₁₆H₈N₂O₂: C %,     73.82; H %, 3.10. Found C %, 73.50, H %, 3.34.

N-Hydroxy-5-{4-[5-(N-hydroxyamidino)-furan-2-yl]-phenyl}-furan-2-carboxamidine (13). The same procedure described for 3 was used starting with 12. Yield 93%; mp>300° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 5.88 (br s, 4H), 6.86 (d, J=3.6Hz, 2H), 7.06 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 2H), 7.83 (s, 4H), 9.71 (brs, 2H). MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 326 (M⁺, 100), 311 (15), 292 (15). Anal. Calc. for C₁₆H₁₄N₄O₄: C %, 58.89; H %, 4.32. Found C %, 58.62; H %, 4.50.

5-{4-[5-Amidinofuran-2-yl]-phenyl}-furan-2-carboxamidine acetate salt (14). The same procedure described for 4 was used starting with 13. Yield 73%, mp 228-230° C. ¹H NMR (D₂O/DMSO-d₆); 1.90 (s, 3×CH₃), 7.25 (d, J=3.3 Hz, 2H), 7.55 (d, J=3.3 Hz, 2H), 8.16 (s, 4H). EIMS m/e (rel. int.); 294 (M⁺, 35), 277 (100), 260 (50), 206 (20), 177 (10). High resolution calcd for C₁₆H₁₄N₄O₂ ms 294. 11168. Observed 294. 10975. Anal. Calc. for C₁₆H₁₄N₄O₂-3.0AcOH-2.5H₂O-0.5EtOH: C %, 50.92; H %, 6.30; N %, 10.32. Found C %, 50.94; H %, 6.00; N %, 9.96.

Example 4

4,4″-Bis-cyano[1,1′;4′,1″]terphenyl (17). The same procedure described for 1 was used by employing 4-bromobenzonitrile (2 equiv.) and 1,4-phenylenebisboronic acid (1 equiv.) to furnish 17 as a white solid in 73% yield; mp 299-300° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 7.89 (dd, J=8.1, 2.1 Hz, 4H), 7.94-7.96 (m, 8H). MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 280 (M⁺, 100). Anal. Calc. for C₂₀H₁₂N₂: C %, 85.69; H %, 4.31. Found C %, 85.41; H %, 4.52.

[1,1′;4′,1″]Terphenyl-4,4″-bis-N-hydroxycarboxamidine (18). The same procedure described for 3 was used starting with 17 to furnish 18 (free base) in 68% yield; mp>300° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 5.67 (brs, 4H), 7.71-7.79 (m, 12H), 9.60 (br s, 2H). MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 347 (M⁺+1, 40), 279 (100).

Hydrochloride salt of 18 was prepared by suspending the free base in dry ethanol, cooling the mixture in an ice bath (5° C.), and passing HCl gas for about 10 min; mp >300° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 7.33 (dd, J=8.1, 2.1 Hz, 4H), 7.64 (br s, 8H), 7.77-7.80 (m, 8H), 10.21 (br s, 2H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 156.1, 138.3, 137.3, 134.9, 127.7, 127.1, 124.7. Anal. Calc. for C₂₀H₁₈N₄O₂-2.0HCl-0.25H₂O-0.25C₂H₅OH: C %, 56.56; H %, 5.12; N %, 12.55. Found C %, 56.56; H %, 5.09; N %, 12.87.

[1,1′;4′,1″]Terphenyl-4,4″-bis-N-acetoxycarboxamidine (19). The diamidoxime 18 (0.60 g, 1.73 mmol) was dissolvedin glacial acetic acid (17.3 mL), and then acetic anhydride (0.61 mL) was added dropwise. After letting the reaction stir at room temperature overnight, the mixture was poured onto ice/water and the precipitate formed was collected by filtration, washed with water and dried to give 19 in 89% yield; mp 293-295° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 2.14 (s, 6H), 6.87 (br s, 4H), 7.82-7.84 (m, 12H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 168.4, 156.0, 141.2, 138.6, 130.7, 127.3, 126.4, 19.8. Anal. Calc. for C₂₄H₂₂N₄O₄-0.5CH₃CO₂H: C %, 65.20; H %, 5.25. Found C %, 65.10; H %, 4.99.

[1,1′;4′,1″]Terphenyl-4,4″-bis-carboxamidine acetate salt (20). The same procedure described for 5 was used starting with 19; mp>300° C. ¹H NMR (D₂O/DMSO-d₆): δ 1.78 (s, 2×CH₃), 7.52-7.54 (m, 4H), 7.58-7.61 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.76-7.79 (m, 4H), 7.90 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H). MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 315 (M⁺+1, 33), 158 (100), 121 (40). Anal. Calc. for C₂₄H₂₂N₄O₄-2.0CH₃CO₂H-0.5H₂O: C %, 64.99, H %, 6.13; N %, 12.63. Found C %, 64.97; H %, 6.01; N %, 12.60.

[1,1′;4′,1″]Terphenyl-4,4″-bis-N-methoxycarboxamidine (21). The same procedure described for 4 was used starting with 18 to give free base of 21 in 72% yield; mp 270-272° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 3.75 (s, 6H), 6.10 (br s, 4H), 7.75-7.80 (m, 12H).

Hydrochloride salt of 21, mp 240-242° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 3.86 (s, 6H), 7.95-7.90 (m, 12H), 8.45 (br s, 4H). Anal. Calc. for C₂₀H₁₈N₄O₂-2.0HCl: C %, 59.07, H %, 5.41; N %, 12.52. Found C %, 59.54; H %, 5.44; N %, 12.10.

Example 5

2′-Fluoro-[1,1′;4′,1″]terphenyl-4,4″-bis-carbonitrile (22a). Adopting the same procedure used for the preparation of 17, a Suzuki coupling reaction was performed using 2,5-dibromo-1-flourobenzene (3.50 g, 13.78 mmol) and p-cyanophenyl boronic acid (4.45 g, 30.32 mmol) to yield the target bis-cyano derivative in 89% yield, mp 289-291° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 7.72-7.83 (m, 5H) 7.90-7.99 (m, 6H). Anal. Calc. for C₂₀H₁₁N₂: C %, 80.52; H %, 3.71. Found C %, 80.24; H %, 3.95.

2′-Fluoro-[1,1′;4′,1″]terphenyl-4,4″-bis-amidine hydrochloride salt (23a). The dinitrile 22a (0.5 g, 1.67 mmol), suspendedin freshly distilled THF (5 mL), was treated with lithium trimethylsilylamide (2% solution in THF, 3.67 mmol) and the reaction was kept stirring overnight. The reaction mixture was then cooled to 0° C. and four equivalents of 6N HCl saturated ethanol (100 mL) whereupon a precipitate started forming. The reaction was left to run overnight whereafter it was diluted with ether and the formed solid was filtered to give the diamidine salt; mp>300° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 7.72-7.89 (m, 5H), 7.97-8.07 (m, 6H), 9.34 (br s, 4H), 9.54 (br s, 4H). MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 333 (M⁺, 100), 316 (23), 299 (27). Anal. Calc. for C₂₀H₁₁N₂-2.0HCl-0.5H₂O: C %, 57.35; H %, 4.93; N %, 13.37. Found C %, 57.54; H %, 4.88; H %, 13.35.

2′-Fluoro-[1,1′;4′,1″]terphenyl-4,4″-bis-N-hydroxycarboxamidine (24a). The same procedure described for preparation of 3 was used starting with 22a. Yield % 96, mp>300° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 5.83 (br s, 4H), 7.62-7.73 (m, 5H), 7.79-7.81 (m, 6H), 9.60 (br s, 2H). MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 364 (M⁺, 100), 183 (42).

24a hydrochloride salt: mp 282-284° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 7.74-7.86 (m, 9H), 8.02-8.05 (m, 2H), 9.10 (br s, 4H), 11.31 (br s, 2H). Anal. Calc for C₂₀H₁₇FN₄O₂-2.0HCl-0.75H₂O: C %, 53.82; H %, 4.51; N %, 12.55. Found C %, 53.88; H %, 4.43; N %, 12.29.

2′-Fluoro-[1,1′;4′,1″]terphenyl-4,4″-bis-methoxycarboxamidine (25a). The target compound was prepared adopting the same procedure mentioned for 4 starting with 24a, yield 74%; mp 172-174° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 3.76 (s, 6H), 6.11 (br s, 4H), 7.60-7.78 (m, 11H). MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 393 (M⁺, 100), 197 (28).

25a hydrochloride salt: mp 250-252° C. Anal. Calc. for C₂₂H₂₁FN₄O₂-2.0HCl-0.25H₂O-0.25C₂H₅OH: C %, 56.14; H %, 5.23; N %, 11.63. Found C %, 56.13; H %, 4.93; N %, 11.43.

2′-Trifluoromethyl-[1,1′;4′,1″]terphenyl-4,4″-bis-carbonitrile (22b). Following the same synthetic procedure employed for 22a using 1,4-dibromo-2-trifluoromethylbenzene (3.33 g, 10 mmol) and p-cyanophenyl boronic acid (3.23 g, 22 mmol) to yield the dinitrile as a white solid (87%); mp 181-183° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 7.55-7.58 (m, 3H), 7.94-8.02 (m, 6H), 8.04-8.16 (m, 2H). MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 298 (M⁺, 100), 149 (62), 122 (42). Anal. Calc. for C₂₁H₁₁F₃N₂: C %, 72.41; H %, 3.18. Found C %, 72.68; H %, 3.34.

2′-Trifluoromethyl-[1,1′;4′,1″]terphenyl-4,4″-bis-amidine hydrochloride salt (23b). The amidine was prepared following the procedure which used for 23a; mp >300° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 7.56-7.64 (m, 3H), 7.96 (dd, J=1.5, 8.1 Hz, 2 H), 8.02 (dd, J=1.5, 8.1 Hz, 2H), 8.10 (dd, J=1.5, 8.1 Hz, 2H), 8.18 (dd, J=1.5, 8.1 Hz, 2H), 9.36 (br s, 4H), 9.57 (br s, 4H). MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 383 (M⁺, 23), 192 (100). Anal. Calc. for C₂₁H₁₇F₃N₄-2.0HCl-0.5H₂O-0.1C₂H₅OH: C %, 54.30; H %, 4.42; N %, 11.94. Found C %, 54.11; H %, 4.24; N %, 11.66.

2′-Trifluoromethyl-[1,1′;4′,1″]terphenyl-4,4″-bis-N-hydroxycarboxamidine (24b). The same procedure described for preparation of 3 was used starting with 22b. Yield 94%; mp 204-206° C. ¹ H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 5.96 (br s, 4H), 7.37 (dd, J=1.8, 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.50 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.75 (dd, J=1.8, 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.80-7.82 (m, 4H), 8.03-8.07 (m, 2H), 9.76 (br s, 2H). MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 415 (M⁺, 26), 208 (100).

24b hydrochloride salt: mp 229-231° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 7.55-7.61 (m, 3H), 7.84-7.92 (m, 4H), 8.07 (dd, J=1.8, 8.7 Hz, 2 H), 8.14-8.18 (m, 2H), 9.11 (br s, 4H), 11.35 (br s, 2H). Anal. Calc. for C₂₁H1₇N₄O₂-2.0HCl-1.25H₂O-0.25C₂H₅OH: C %, 49.53; H %, 4.44; N %, 10.74. Found C %, 49.55; H %, 4.40; N %, 10.55.

2′-Trifluoromethyl-[1,1′;4′,1″]terphenyl-4,4″-bis-methoxycarboxamidine (25b). The amidoxime 24b was used to prepare the corresponding methoxime using the above-mentioned methodin 72% yield; mp 186-188° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 3.75 (s, 3H), 3.76 (s, 3H), 6.14 (br s, 4H), 7.36 (dd, J=1.8, 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.50 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.73 (dd, J=1.8,8.1 Hz), 7.80-7.82 (m, 4H), 8.03-8.07 (m, 2H). MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 443 (M⁺, 59), 222 (100).

25b hydrochloride salt: mp 214-216° C. Anal. Calc. for C₂₃H₂₁F₃N₄O₂-2.0HCl-1.25H₂O-0.5C₂H₅OH: C %, 51.39; H %, 5.12; N %, 9.98. Found C %, 51.54; H %, 4.84, N %, 9.94.

Phenyl[1,1′]pyridyl[4′,1″]phenyl-4,4″-bis-carbonitrile (22c). 2,5-Dibromopyridine and p-cyanophenylboronic acid were reacted under the above mentioned Suzuki coupling conditions to give the target dinitrile, which was purified by column chromatography (EtOAc:Hexane, 80:20), yield 84% ; mp 270-272° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 7.97-8.00 (m, 4H), 8.05 (dd, J=1.8, 8.4 Hz, 2 H), 8.25 (dd, J=1.8, 8.1 Hz, 1H), 8.33-8.38 (m, 3H), 9.13 (d, J=1.8 Hz, 1H). MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 281 (M⁺, 100).

Phenyl[1,1′]pyridyl[4′,1″]phenyl-4,4″-bis-carboxamidine acetate salt (23c). The amidine was synthesizedin two consecutive steps as described for compounds 5 and 10, starting with compound 24c, first by acetylation of the amidoxime to give the acetoxime intermediate, followed by direct reductive hydrolysis; mp 273-275° C. ¹H NMR (D₂O/DMSO-d₆): δ 1.70 (s, 2.8×CH₃), 7.84-7.89 (m, 4H), 8.06-8.25 (m, 6H), 8.95 (s, 1H). MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 316 (M⁺, 100), 158 (98). ¹³H NMR (D₂O/DMSO-d₆, of hydrochloride salt): δ 165.9, 154.8, 148.4, 143.5, 142.2, 136.5, 134.2, 129.3, 129.0, 128.5, 127.9, 127.8, 127.7, 122.0. Anal. Calc. for C₁₉H₁₇N₅-2.8CH₃CO₂H-0.75H₂O: C %, 59.44; H %, 6.02; N %, 14.09. Found C %, 59.27; H %, 5.92; N %, 14.16.

Phenyl[1,1′]pyridyl[4′,1″]phenyl-4,4″-bis-N-hydroxycarboxamidine (24c). The bis-amidoxime was obtained from the corresponding bis-nitrile using the standard procedure in 97% yield; mp>300° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 5.89 (br s, 4H), 7.79-7.81 (m, 6H), 8.08-8.23 (m, 4 H), 9.03 (d, J=1.5 Hz, 1H), 9.74 (br s, 2H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 154.3, 150.4, 150.3, 147.2, 138.3, 136.8, 134.6, 133.7, 133.4, 132.8, 126.1, 125.9, 125.8, 125.5, 119.9. MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 348 (M⁺, 52), 174 (100). 24c hydrochloride salt: mp 292-294° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 7.91 (dd, J=1.8, 7.8 Hz, 4H), 8.09 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2 H), 8.27 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 8.36-8.40 (m, 3 H), 9.15 (d, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 9.21 (br s, 4H), 11.42 (br s, 2H). Anal. Calc. for C₁₉H₁₇N₅O₂-3.0HCl-1.0H₂O-0.3C₂H₅OH: C %, 48.18; H %, 4.90; N %, 14.33. Found C %, 48.18; H %, 4.74; N %, 14.18.

Phenyl[1,1′]pyridyl[4′,1″]phenyl-4,4″-bis-N-methoxycarboxamidine (25c). The bis-amidoxime was used to prepare the target compound using the standard procedure in 89% yield; mp 245-247° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 3.76 (s, 6H), 6.13 (br s, 4H), 7.78-7.84 (m, 6H), 8.08-8.23 (m, 4H), 9.03 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 154.3, 150.6, 150.5, 147.5, 138.8, 137.4, 134.9, 133.5, 133.0, 132.2, 126.4, 126.3, 126.1, 126.0, 120.2, 60.6. MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 376 (M⁺, 100). 25c hydrochloride salt: mp 241-242° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 3.88 (s, 6H), 7.94 (dd, J=1.8, 8.7 Hz, 4H), 8.05 (dd, J=1.8, 8.7 Hz, 2H), 8.27 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 8.34-8.41 (m, 3H), 9.14 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H). Anal. Calc. for C₂lH₂₁N₅O₂-3.0HCl-1.75H₂O-0.5C₂H₅OH: C %, 48.88; H %, 5.69; N %, 12.98. Found C %, 48.99; H %, 5.56; N %, 12.75.

Example 6

2,5-Bis-(4′-cyanophenyl)-pyrimidine (26). 2-Chloro-5-bromopyrimidine and p-cyanophenylboronic acid were reacted under the above-mentioned Suzuki coupling conditions to give the target dinitrile. Yield 91%, mp 305-306.5° C. (DMF). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 7.98-8.07 (m, 6H), 8.58 (s, 2H), 9.34 (s, 2H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 161.1, 155.5, 140.4, 137.8, 132.6, 132.3, 129.9, 128.0, 127.4, 118.06, 118.00, 113.0, 111.3. MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 282 (M⁺, 100), 141 (10), 127 (80).

2,5-Bis-(4′-amidinophenyl)-pyrimidine (27). The same procedure described for preparation of 23a was used starting with 26. Yield 86%, mp>300° C. ¹H NMR (D₂O/DMSO-d₆): δ 7.91-8.00 (m, 6H), 8.54 (s, 2H), 9.26 (s, 2H). ¹³C NMR (D₂O/DMSO-d₆): δ 166.09, 166.00, 162.4, 156.3, 142.0, 139.3, 131.1, 130.3, 129.4, 129.0, 128.5, 128.0, 122.2. MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 317 (M⁺+1, 100), 159 (45). Anal. Calc. for C₁₈H₁₆N₆-3.0HCl-0.25H₂O): C %, 50.24; H %, 4.57; N %, 19.53. Found C %, 50.33; H %, 4.80; N %, 19.47.

2,5-Bis-[4′-(N-hydroxyamidino)phenyl]-pyrimidine (28). The same procedure described for preparation of 3 was used starting with 26. Yield 97%, mp 290-292° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 5.71 (s, 4H), 7.84-7.87 (m, 6H), 8.42 (s, 2H), 9.23 (s, 2H), 9.58 (s, 2H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 161.6, 154.7, 150.2, 150.1, 136.9, 135.2, 133.7, 133.4, 130.2, 127.0, 126.0, 125.8, 125.3. MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 349 (M⁺+1, 100), 332 (15), 315 (10), 282 (60).

2,5-Bis-[4′-(N-methoxyamidino)phenyl]-pyrimidine (29). The same procedure described for preparation of 4 was used starting with 28. Free base yield 64%, mp 217-218° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 3.76 (s, 6H), 6.19 (s, 4H), 7.83-7.88 (m, 6H), 8.43 (s, 2H), 9.28 (s, 2H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 161.6, 155.0, 150.5, 150.4, 137.4, 134.5, 134.3, 132.6, 130.3, 127.2, 126.3, 126.2, 125.9, 60.5. MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 377 (M⁺+1, 100), 347 (30), 330 (25). 29 hydrochloride salt: mp 242-243° C. Anal. Calc. for C₂₀H₂₀N₆O₂-2.6HCl-0.75C₂H₅OH): C %, 51.18; H %, 5.37; N %, 16.66. Found C %, 51.35; H %, 5.46; N %, 16.44.

Example 7

1,4-Bis-(5′-cyanopyridin-2′-yl)-phenylene (30). The same procedure described for 1 was used by employing 6-chloronicotinonitrile (2 equiv.) and 1,4-phenylenebisboronic acid (1 equiv.) to furnish 30 in 94% yield, mp>300° C. (DMF). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 8.10-8.40 (m, 8H), 9.18 (s, 2H). MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 282 (M⁺, 100), 254 (10), 179 (20).

1,4-Bis-(5′-amidinopyridin-2′-yl)-phenylene (31). The same procedure described for preparation of 23a was used starting with 30. Yield 90%, mp>300° C. ¹H NMR (D₂O/DMSO-d₆): δ 8.42 (m, 8H), 9.15 (s, 2H). ¹³C NMR (D₂O/DMSO-d₆): δ 164.5, 15 160.3, 149.1, 139.3, 138.0, 128.5, 123.6, 121.3. MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 317 (M⁺+1, 100), 300 (70), 283 (50), 273 (15), 246 (35). Anal. Calc. for C₁₈H₁₆N₆-4.0HCl): C %, 46.77; H %, 4.36; N %, 18.18. Found C %, 46.98; H %, 4.55; N %, 17.89.

1,4-Bis-[5′-(N-hydroxyamidinopyridin-2′-yl)]-phenylene (32). The same procedure described for preparation of 3 was used starting with 30. Yield 96%, mp>300° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 5.88 (s, 4H), 8.03 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 8.13 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 8.23-8.36 (m, 4H), 8.99 (s, 2H), 9.75 (s, 2H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 155.3, 148.7, 146.4, 138.6, 133.6, 127.6, 126.6, 119.3. MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 349 (M⁺+1, 100), 334 (30), 282 (20).

1,4-Bis-[5′-(N-methoxyamidinopyridin-2′-yl)]-phenylene (33). The same procedure described for preparation of 4 was used starting with 32. Free base yield 70%, mp 218-219° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 3.78 (s, 6H), 6.29 (s, 4H), 8.05-8.15 (m, 4H), 8.26 (s, 4H), 8.95 (s, 2H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 155.7, 149.0, 146.8, 138.7, 134.3, 127.1, 126.9, 119.7, 60.8. MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 377 (M⁺+1, 100), 330 (10), 189 (25).

Hydrochloride salt of 33. mp 251-253° C. Anal. Calc. for C₂₀H₂₀N₆O₂-4.0HCl-2.0H₂O-0.2C₂H₅OH): C %, 43.17; H %, 5.18; N %, 14.80. Found C %, 43.32; H %, 5.04, N %, 14.42.

Example 8

2-(4′-Cyanophenyl)-5-(4″-cyanobenzyl)pyridine (34a). 2-Chloro-5-(chloromethyl)-pyridine (1 equiv.) and p-cyanophenylboronic acid (2 equiv.) were reacted under the above-mentioned Suzuki coupling conditions to give the target dinitrile 34a. Yield 83%, mp 187-187.5° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 4.13 (s, 2H), 7.50 (d, J=8.4 Hz 2H), 7.74-7.79 (m, 3H), 7.91 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.99 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 8.21-8.24 (m, 2H), 8.65 (s, 1H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 152.2, 150.0, 146.2, 142.5, 137.6, 135.8, 132.7, 132.5, 129.7, 127.0, 121.0, 118.7, 111.2, 109.2,37.5. MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 296 (M⁺+1, 100).

2-[4-(N-Hydroxyamidino)phenyl]-5-[4″-(N-hydroxyamidino)benzyl]pyridine (35a). The same procedure described for the preparation of 3 was used starting with 34a. Yield 99%, mp 205-206° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 4.01 (s, 2H), 5.77 (s, 2H), 5.85 (s, 2H), 7.28 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.60 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.68-7.78 (m, 3H), 7.90 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 8.05 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 8.59 (d, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 9.57 (s, 1H), 9.71 (s, 1H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 153.4, 150.7, 150.5, 149.6, 141.3, 138.8, 137.2, 135.6, 133.5, 131.3, 128.4, 126.0, 125.7, 125.6, 120.0, 37.4. MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 362 (M⁺+1, 60), 181 (100).

2-(4′-Amidinophenyl)-5-(4″-amidinobenzyl)pyridine acetate salt (36a). The same procedure described for the preparation of 5 was used starting with 35a. Yield 80%, mp 258-259° C. ¹H NMR (D₂O/DMSO-d₆): δ 1.80 (s, 3×CH₃), 4.12 (s, 2H), 7.46 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 7.72-7.78 (m, 3H), 7.87-7.98 (m, 3H), 8.18 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 2H), 8.64 (s, 1H). MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 330 (M⁺+1, 50), 165 (100). Anal. Calc. for C₂₀H₁₉N₅-3.0CH₃CO₂H-0.45H₂O): C %, 60.32; H %, 6.21; N %, 13.53. Found C %, 59.96; H %, 6.24; N %, 13.92.

1-(4′-Cyanophenyl)-4-(4″-cyanobenzyl)phenylene (34b). 1-Chloro4-(chloromethyl)benzene (1 equiv.) and p-cyanophenylboronic acid (2 equiv.) were reacted under the above-mentioned Suzuki coupling conditions to give the target dinitrile 34b.

1- [4-(N-Hydroxyamidino)phenyl]-4-[4″-(N-hydroxyamidino)benzyl]phenylene (35b). The same procedure described for the preparation of 3 was used starting with 34b.

1-(4′-Amidinophenyl)-4-(4″-amidinobenzyl)phenylene acetate salt (36b). The same procedure described for the preparation of 5 was used starting with 35b.

Example 9

Phenyl[1,1′]naphthyl[4′,1″]phenyl-4,4″-bis-carbonitrile (37a). The bis-cyano compound was prepared through the coupling of 1,4-dibromonaphthalene and p-cyanophenylboronic acid using the standard conditions. The crude reaction product was recrystallized from n-butanol to give the dinitrile 37a in 73% yield; mp 239-240 ° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 7.56-7.59 (m, 4H), 7.73 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 4H), 7.79-7.82 (m, 2H), 8.01-8.03 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 4H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆): 6144.3, 138.0, 132.0, 130.4, 126.5, 127.4, 126.2, 125.1, 118.2, 110.2. MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 330 (M⁺, 100).Anal. Calc. for C₂₄H₁₄N₂: C %, 87.24; H %, 4.27. Found C %, 87.41; H %, 4.07.

Phenyl[1,1′]napthyl[4′,1″]phenyl-4,4″-bis-amidine (38a). The same procedure described for the preparation of 23a was used starting with 37a. mp>300° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 6.75 (br s, 6H), 7.51-7.57 (m, 8H), 7.85-7.88 (m, 2H), 7.94 (dd, J=1.8, 8.4 Hz, 4H). MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 365 (M⁺, 32), 183 (100). Anal. Calc. for C₂₄H₂₀N₄-2.0HCl-0.25H₂O: C %, 65.23; H %, 5.13; N %, 12.76. Found C %, 65.31, H %, 5.19; N %, 12.52.

Phenyl[1,1′]naphthyl-[4′,1″]phenyl-4,4″-bis-N-hydroxycarboxamidine (39). The same procedure described for the preparation of 3 was used starting with 37a. Yield 94%; mp 216-217° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 5.90 (br s, 4H), 7.51-7.54 (m, 10H), 7.83-7.90 (m, 4H), 9.72 (br s, 2H). MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 397 (M⁺, 64), 199 (100).

39 hydrochloride salt: mp 175-176° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 7.57-7.60 (m, 4H), 7.74-7.83 (m, 6H), 7.94-7.96 (m, 4H), 9.18 (br s, 4H), 11.40 (br s, 2H), 13.18 (br s, 2H). Anal. Calc. for C₂₄H₂₀N₄O₂-2.0HCl-0.75H₂O-1.0C₂H₅OH: C %, 59.03; H %, 5.62; N %, 10.59. Found C %, 58.95; H %, 5.37; N %, 10.49.

Phenyl[1,1′]naphthyl-[4′,1″]phenyl-4,4″-bis-N-methoxycarboxamidine (40). The same procedure described for the preparation of 4 was used starting with 39. Yield 85%; mp 198-200°C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 3.77 (s, 6H), 6.16 (s, 4H), 7.51-7.54 (m, 8H), 7.81-7.89 (m, 6H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 150.9, 140.9, 138.8, 131.8, 131.1, 129.7, 126.5, 126.0, 125.8, 60.7. MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 425 (M⁺, 100).

40 hydrochloride salt: mp 226-228° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 3.89 (s, 6H), 7.56-7.59 (m, 4H), 7.70 (dd, J=1.8, 8.7 Hz, 4H), 7.80-7.84 (m, 2H), 7.96 (dd, J=1.8, 8.7 Hz, 4H), 8.62 (br s, 4H). Anal. Calc. for C₂₆H₂₄N₄O₂-2.0HCl-0.5C₂H₅OH: C %, 62.30; H %, 5.61; N %, 10.76. Found C %, 62.15; H %, 5.44; N %, 10.54.

Phenyl[1,2′]naphthyl[6′,1″]phenyl-4,4″-bis-carbonitrile (37b). Adopting the same procedure usedin the preparation of 37a starting with 2,6-dibromonaphthalene, the bisnitrile was obtainedin 79% yield; mp 270-272° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 7.93-7.96 (m, 6H), 8.03-8.05 (m, 4H), 8.14 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 8.37 (3, 2H). MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 330 (M⁺, 100). Anal. Calc. for C₂₄H₁₄N₂: C %, 87.24; H %, 4.27. Found C %, 86.98; H %, 4.53.

Phenyl[1,2′]naphthyl[6′,1″]phenyl-4,4″-bis-amidine (38b). The same procedure described for the preparation of 23a was used starting with 37b, the target compound was obtained; mp>300° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 7.99-8.03 (m, 6H), 8.11-8.19 (m, 6H), 8.46 (s, 2H), 9.22 (br s, 4H), 9.48 (br s, 4H). MS (ESI) m/e (rel. ab.): 365 (M⁺, 100), 331 (24). Anal. Calc. for C₂₄H₂₀N₄-2.0HCl-0.75H₂O -0.3C₂H₅OH: C, 63.58; H, 5.48; N, 12.05. Found C, 73.70; H, 5.16; N, 11.75.

Example 10

5-[4′-(Hydrazono)-biphenyl-4-yl]-furan-2-hydrazone (43a). A mixture of compound 1 (1 mmol), aminoguanidine hydrochloride (4 mmol), and triethylamine (4 mmol) in absolute ethanol (50 mL) was heated at reflux for overnight. The formed precipitate was filtered, washed with water, dried to give 43a in 66% yield, mp 294-295° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆); 66.00 (br s, 4H), 6.60 (br s, 4H), 6.84 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.12 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.67-7.86 (m, 8H), 7.93 (s, 1H), 8.10 (s, 1H).

(43a hydrochloride salt); mp 276-278° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 7.18 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.26 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.70 (br s, 8H), 7.82-7.99 (m, 8H), 8.15 (s, 1H), 8.23 (s, 1H), 12.07 (s, 1H), 12.12 (s, 1H). MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 389 (M⁺+1, 100), 333 (20), 247 (10). Anal. Calc. for C₂₀H₂₀N₈O-2.0HCl-1.1H₂O-0.5EtOH: C %, 50.10, H %, 5.45; N %, 22.27. Found C %, 50.30; H %, 5.17; N %, 21.90.

5-{4′-[2-(4,5-Dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-hydrazono]-biphenyl-4-yl}-furan-2-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-hydrazone (44a). The same procedure described for the preparation of 43a was used by employing 2-hydrazino-2-imidazoline hydrobromide instead of aminoguanidine hydrochloride. Yield 93%, mp 299-301° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 6.50 (br s, 2H), 6.70 (br s, 1H), 6.74 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 6.87 (br s, 1H), 7.09 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.69-7.85 (m, 8H), 7.89 (s, 1H), 8.02 (s, 1H). ¹³C NMR; δ 157.7, 157.4, 154.6, 148.0, 147.4, 140.9, 138.8, 137.5, 132.5, 128.6, 127.9, 127.0, 126.6, 124.5, 117.0, 108.6, 42.6.

(44a hydrochloride salt); mp 302-304° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 3.74 (s, 8H), 7.16 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.27 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.85-7.95 (m, 8H), 8.25 (s, 1H), 8.33 (s, 1H), 8.67 (br s, 4H), 12.84 (br s, 1H), 12.90 (br s, 1H). Anal. Calc. for C₂₄H₂₄N₈O-2.0HCl-1.5H₂O: C %, 53.33; H %, 5.40; N %, 20.73. Found C %, 53.35; H %, 5.33; N %, 20.37.

5-[4-(2-Hydrazono)-pyridin-5-yl-phenyl]-furan-2-hydrazone (43b). The same procedure described for the preparation of 43a was used starting with 7. Yield 83%, mp 253-255° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 5.65 (br s, 4H), 6.02 (br s, 4H), 6.79 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.22 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.79 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.90 (s, 1H), 8.04-8.14 (m, 5H), 9.07 (s, 1H).

(43b hydrochloride salt); mp 242-244° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 7.21 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.41 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.83 (br s, 8H), 8.04 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 8.18 (s, 1H), 8.22-8.36 (m, 5H), 9.22 (s, 1H), 12.18 (s, 1H), 12.27 (s, 1H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 155.1, 155.0, 154.3, 152.5, 149.2, 146.9, 145.4, 139.5, 136.7, 134.5, 133.1, 128.5, 127.2, 124.9, 121.2, 117.5, 110.6, 99.9. Anal. Calc. for C₁₉H₁₉N₉O-3.0HCl-1.5H₂O-0.7EtOH: C %, 43.90; H %, 5.27; N %, 22.58. Found C %, 43.99; H %, 4.95; N %, 22.28.

5-{4-[2-(4,5-Dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-hydrazono]-pyridin-5-yl-phenyl}-furan-2-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-hydrazone (44b). The same procedure described for the preparation of 44a was used starting with 7. Yield 88%, mp 281-283° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 3.42 (s, 8H), 6.58 (br s, 2H), 6.76 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 6.78 (s, 1H), 6.92 (s, 1H), 7.23 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.80 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.90 (s, 1H), 8.04-8.18 (m, 5H), 9.09 (s, 1H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 1166.0, 165.5, 152.6, 149.9, 144.7, 143.8, 137.6, 137.1, 134.0, 131.2, 126.6, 126.2, 124.5, 119.9, 116.5, 111.0, 109.5, 42.3, 41.7.

(44b hydrochloride salt); mp 300-302° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 3.78 (s, 8H), 7.20 (d, J=3.6Hz, 1H), 7.41 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.99 (d, J=8.4Hz, 2H), 8.19-8.35 (m, 6H), 8.71 (br s, 4H), 9.22 (s, 1H), 12.89 (s, 1H), 13.0 (s, 1H). Anal. Calc. for C₂₃H₂₁N₉O-3.0HCl-3.0H₂O-0.25EtOH: C %, 45.94; H %, 5.17; N %, 20.51. Found C %, 45.94; H %, 5.33; N %, 20.17.

5-(4-Bromopyridin-2-yl)-furan-2-carbaldehyde (41). The same procedure employed for the preparation of 25 was adopted using 2,5-dibromopyridine and (5-diethoxymethyl -furan-2-yl)-trimethyl-stannane followed by acid hydrolysis with 2M HCl. Yield 58%; mp 105-106° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 7.42 (d, J=3.9 Hz, 1H), 7.69 (d, J=3.9 Hz, 1H), 7.88 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 8.22 (dd, J=2.1, 8.4 Hz, 1H), 8.81 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 1H), 9.68 (s, 1H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 178.55, 156.27, 152.46, 150.81, 145.75, 140.10, 124.54, 121.59, 120.40, 111.71. Anal. Calc. for C₁₀H₆BrNO₂: C %, 47.65; H %, 2.39. Found C %, 47.79; H %, 2.46.

5-[5-(4-Formylphenyl)-pyridin-2-yl]-furan-2-carboxaldehyde (42). The same procedure described for 12 was used by employing compound 41 (1 equiv.) and 4-formylphenyl boronic acid (1 equiv.). Yield 91%, mp 217-219° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 7.46 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.71 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 8.03-8.05 (m, 5H), 8.37 (dd, J=1.8, 8.4 Hz, 1H), 9.11 (d, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 9.69 (s, 1H), 10.07 (s, 1H). Anal. Calc. for C₁₇H₁₁NO₃: C %, 73.63; H %, 3.99. Found C %, 73.51; H %, 4.23.

5-{4-[5-(4,5-Dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-hydrazono]-pyridin-2-yl-phenyl}-furan-2-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-hydrazone (44c). The same procedure described for the preparation of 44a was used starting with 42. Yield 75%, mp 262-264° C.

(44c hydrochloride salt); mp 260-262° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 3.75 (s, 8H), 7.22 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.39 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.92-8.05 (m, 5H), 8.32-8.35 (m, 3H), 8.74 (br s, 4H), 9.04 (s, 1H), 12.95 (br s, 2H), 13.08 (br s, 1H). MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 442 (M⁺+1, 90), 332 (100), 221 (30). Anal. Calc. for C₂₃H₂₃N₉O-3.0HCl-4.5H₂O: C %, 43.71; H %, 5.58; N %, 19.95. Found C %, 43.50; H %, 5.42; N %, 20.07.

Example 11

5-(4-(2-Hydrazono)-furan-5-yl-phenyl)-furan-2-hydrazone (45). Yield 89.7%, mp 273-275° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 7.90 (s, 2H), 7.78 (s, 4H), 7.07 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 2H), 6.77 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 2H), 5.95 (br s, 4H), 5.69 (br s, 4H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 159.7, 152.6, 151.6, 133.8, 128.8, 123.9, 111.7, 108.3.

(45 hydrochloride salt); mp 278-280° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 12.05 (s, 2H), 8.14 (s, 2H), 7.93 (s, 4H), 7.76 (br s, 8H), 7.27 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 2H), 7.18 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 2H). MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 379 (M⁺+1, 100), 307 (5), 190 (70). Anal. Calc. for C₁₈H₁₈N₈O₂-2.0HCl-1.25H₂O-0.7EtOH: C %, 46.12; H %, 5.29; N %, 22.19. Found C %, 45.90; H %, 4.95; N %, 21.90.

5-{4-[2-(4,5-Dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-hydrazono]-furan-5-yl-phenyl}-furan-2-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-hydrazone (46). Yield 90%, mp>300° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 7.88 (s, 2H), 7.78 (s, 4H), 7.07 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 2H), 6.72 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 2H), 6.63 (br s, 2H), 6.56 (br s, 2H), 3.42 (s, 8H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 164.3, 152.7, 151.5, 135.1, 128.8, 124.0, 116.8, 112.0, 108.4, 42.1.

(46 hydrochloride salt); mp 294-296° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 12.87 (s, 2H), 8.69 (br s, 4H), 8.24 (s, 2H), 7.93 (s, 4H), 7.28 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 2H), 7.16 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 2H), 3.73 (s, 8H). Anal. Calc. for C₂₂H₂₂N₈O₂-2.0HCl-2.25H₂O-0.75EtOH: C %, 48.87; H %, 5.71; N %, 19.41. Found C %, 48.72; H %, 5.36; N %, 19.19.

Example 12

4,4″-Bis(N′,N″-t-butoxycarbonyl)-guanidino-[1,1′;4′,1″]terphenyl (47). To a solution of 4,4″-diamino-[1,1′;4′,1″]terphenyl (0.30 g, 1.15 mmol) in anhydrous DMF (10 mL) was added 1,3-bis(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-2-methylthiopseudourea (0.71 g, 2.4 mmol), triethylamine (0.74 g, 7.2 mmol) and finally mercury(II)chloride (0.73 g, 2.6 mmol). The suspension was kept stirring at room temperature for 24 h. The reaction, diluted with CH₂Cl₂ and Na₂CO₃ solution, was filtered through a pad of Celite. The organic layer was washed with water (3×) followed by brine and then dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄. After evaporating the solvent to dryness the obtained residue was recrystallized from CH₂Cl₂/MeOH giving a creamy white solid, yield % 79; mp>300° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 1.50, 1.59 (2s, 36H), 7.56-7.70 (m, 12H), 10.39 (br s, 2H), 11.65 (br s, 2H). Anal. Calc. for C₄₀H₅₂N₆O₈: C %, 64.49; H %, 7.03. Found C %, 64.31; H %, 6.85.

4,4′-Bis-guanidino-[1,1′;4′,1″]terphenyl (48). The N′,N″-di-BOCguanidine (0.45 g, 0.60 mmol) was dissolvedin CH₂Cl₂ (10 mL), diluted with dry EtOH (15 mL) and the chilled solution was saturated with dry HCl. The reaction was then kept stirring at room temperature for 3 days (drying tube), when by the product started forming a precipitate over time. After evaporating the solvent to dryness, the residue was washed with ether multiple times and was dried under vacuum at 50-60° C. over night to give whitish yellow solid of the bis-guanidine dihydrochloride; mp>300° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 7.85 (dd, J=1.5, 8.4 Hz, 4H), 7.92 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 4H), 8.00 (dd, J=1.5, 8.4 Hz, 4H ), 9.09 (br s, 4H), 11.25 (br s, 2H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 155.98, 138.35, 137.32, 135.00, 127.79, 127.22, 124.79. MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 344 (M⁺, 6), 173 (100). Anal. Calc. for C₂₀H₂₀N₆-2.0HCl-1.0H₂O-0.2C₂H₅OH: C %, 55.11; H %, 5.71; N %, 18.90. Found C %, 55.39; H %, 5.50; N %, 18.71.

Example 13

4,4″-Bis-(N′-ethoxycarbonylthiourea)-[1,1′;4′,1″]terphenyl (49). A solution of 4,4″-diamino-[1,1′;40′,1″]terphenyl (0.50 g, 1.92 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (10 mL), added to which ethyl isothiocyanatoformate (0.55 g, 4.22 mmol), was stirred at room temperature for 24 h. After flash chromatography, the reaction was diluted with hexane and the precipitate formed was collected and dried to yield the bis-carbamoylthiourea as a white solid yield % 89; mp>300° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 1.26 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 6H), 4.22 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 4H), 7.70-7.79 (m, 12H), 11.29 (br s, 2H), 11.61 (br s, 2H). MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 522 (M⁺, 13), 344 (100), 328 (63). Anal. Calc. for C₂₆H₂₆N₄O₄S₂: C %, 59.75; H %, 5.01. Found C %, 49.58; H %, 5.23.

4,4″-Bis(N′-ethoxycarbonyl)-guanidino-[1,1′;4′,1″]terphenyl (50a). A stirred solution of carbamoyl thiourea (0.80 g, 1.53 mmol), 0.5 M ammonia solution in dioxane (11.7 mL, 6.12 mmol), and diisopropylethylamine (1.18 g, 9.18 mmol) in anhydrous DMF (10 mL) was cooled to 0° C. EDCl (1.17 g, 6.12 mmol) was added, and the solution was stirred at room temperature over night. The reaction mixture poured onto ice/water, the solid collected by vacuum filtration. Finally, the carbamoylguanidine was crystallized from EtOH, yield % 67; mp>300° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 1.17 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 6H), 3.98 (q, J=6.9 Hz, 4H), 7.53-7.71 (m, 16H), 9.05 (br s, 2H). Anal. Calc. for C₂₆H₂₈N₆O₄-0.2C₂H₅OH: C %, 63.70; H %, 5.91; N %, 16.88. Found C %, 63.66; H %, 5.71; N %, 16.65.

4,4″-Bis(N′-ethoxycarbonyl-N″-methyl)guanidino-[1,1′;4′,1″]terphenyl (50b). A stirred solution of carbamoyl thiourea (1.00 g, 1.91 mmol), methylamine hydrochloride (0.51 mL, 7.65 mmol), and diisopropylethylamine (1.48 g, 11.48 mmol) in anhydrous CH₂Cl₂ (10 mL) was cooled to 0° C. EDCl (1.46 g, 7.65 mmol) was added, and the solution was stirred at room temperature over night. The reaction mixture was washed with water (3×100 mL), followed by brine and dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄. The residue remaining after removal of the solvent was crystallized from EtOH/water, yield % 82; mp 297-299° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 1.15 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 6H), 3.32 (s, 6H), 3.95 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 4H), 7.45 (br s, 4H), 7.68-7.75 (m, 12H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 163.01, 158.53, 138.25, 137.50, 135.41, 126.76, 126.66, 124.14, 59.60, 28.17, 14.54. MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 517 (M⁺, 30), 259 (100). Anal. Calc. for C₂₈H₃₂N₄O₄-0.25C₂H₅OH: C %, 64.81; H %, 6.39; N %, 15.91. Found C %, 64.84; H %, 6.20; N %, 15.82.

4,4″-Bis(N′-methyl)-guanidino-[1,1′;4′,1″]terphenyl (51a). The substituted guanidine (0.5 g, 0.96 mmol) was suspended in EtOH (10 mL). 1N KOH 9.6 mL, 9.6 mmol) was then added and the reaction mixture was kept stirring over night maintaining the temperature at 55-60° C. The reaction mixture was diluted with water and the solid formed was collected by filtration, washed multiple times with water and recrystallized from aqueous EtOH to give a tan white solid, yield % 75; mp 243-244° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): 62.67 (s, 6H), 5.35 (br s, 6H), 6.87 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 4H), 7.53 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 4H), 7.64 (s, 4H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 152.2, 149.8, 138.2, 131.3, 126.5, 126.0, 123.2, 27.5. MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 373 (M⁺, 6), 187 (100).

51a Hydrochloride salt. The free base was dissolved in dry EtOH (20 mL) and the solution was chilled in an ice-bath. After passing HCl gas for 10 min, the reaction was concentrated under reduced pressure and then diluted with ether. The precipitate formed was collected by filtration; mp 211-214° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 2.83, 2.85 (2s, 6H), 7.33 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 4H), 7.77-7.80 (m, 8H), 7.96 (br s, 4H), 10.02 (br s, 4H). Anal. Calc. for C₂₂H₂₄N₆-2.0HCl-1.25H₂O-0.3C₂H₅OH: C %, 56.34; H %, 6.33; N %, 17.42. Found C %, 56.69; H %, 6.07; N %, 17.05.

4,4″-Bis(N′-ethoxycarbonyl-N″-isopropyl)guanidino-[1,1′;4′,1″]terphenyl (50c). The same procedure described for the preparation of 50b was used by employing isopropylamine instead of methylamine. Yield % 89; mp>300° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 1.11-1.18 (m, 18H), 3.94 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 4H), 4.01-4.14 (m, 2H), 7.45 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 4H), 7.68-7.75 (m, 8H), 9.24 (br s, 4H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 163.40, 157.15, 138.22, 137.49, 135.21, 126.72, 126.57, 123.95, 59.58, 42.40, 22.54, 14.53. MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 573 (M⁺, 17), 287 (100). Anal. Calc. for C₃₂H₄₀N₆O₄: C %, 67.11; H %, 7.03; N %, 14.67. Found C %, 66.95; H %, 7.16; N %, 14.37.

4,4″-Bis(N′-isopropyl)-guanidino-[1,1′;4′,1″]terphenyl (51b). The same procedure described for the preparation of 51a was used starting with 50c. Yield % 73; mp 246-247° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 1.11 (d, J=6.3 Hz, 18H), 3.81-3.89 (m, 2H), 5.38 (br s, 6H), 6.87 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 4H), 7.53 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 4H), 7.74 (s, 4H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 150.95, 149.36, 138.23, 131.47, 126.69, 126.14, 123.36, 41.56, 22.84. MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 429 (M⁺, 8), 215 (100).

51b Hydrochloride salt. mp 275-277° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 1.19 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 12H), 3.85-3.96 (m, 2H), 5.38 (br s, 6H), 7.31 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 4H), 7.77-7.80 (m, 8H), 8.13 (br s, 2H), 9.91 (br s, 2H). Anal. Calc. for C₂₆H₃₂N₆-2.0HCl-1.5H₂O-0.25C₂H₅OH: C %, 58.93; H %, 7.18; N %, 15.56. Found C %, 59.00; H %, 6.82; N %, 15.33.

Example 14

1,4-Bis-(5′-nitropyridin-2′-yl)phenylene (52). Adopting the same procedure used for the preparation of 17, a Suzuki coupling reaction was performed using 2-chloro-5-nitropyridine (20 mmol) and 1,4-phenylenebisboronic acid (10 mmol) to yield the target compound 52 in 90% yield, mp>300° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 8.33-8.39 (m, 6H), 8.67 (dd, J=8.4, 2.1 Hz, 2H), 9.46 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 2H). MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 323 (M⁺+1, 100), 307 (80), 287 (15).

1,4-Bis-(5′-aminopyridin-2′-yl)phenylene (53). To a solution of 52 (10 mmol) in EtOH/EtOAc (200 mL, 1:1) was added 10% palladium on carbon (1.2 g). The mixture was placed on Parr hydrogenation apparatus at 50 psi for 8 h at room temperature. The mixture was filtered through hyflo and the filter pad. The filtrate was evaporated under reduced pressure and the precipitate was collected and washed with ether to give 53 in 77% yield, mp>250-251° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 5.46 (br s, 4H), 6.98 (dd, J=8.4, 2.4 Hz, 2H), 7.65 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.93 (s, 4H), 8.02 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 2H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 144.0, 143.4, 137.8, 135.9, 125.0, 120.5, 120.0. MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 263 (M⁺+1, 100).

1,4-Bis-(5′-guanidinopyridin-2′-yl)phenylene hydrochloride salt (55). Adopting the same procedure used for the preparation of 48 starting with compound 54. Compound 54 was prepared by the same procedure described for 47, starting with compound 53.

55 hydrochloride salt: mp 271-273° C. ¹H NMR (D₂O/DMSO-d₆): δ 8.15-8.25 (m, 8H), 8.62 (s, 2H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 156.4, 152.3, 144.7, 137.7, 133.7, 131.7, 126.9, 121.2. MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 347 (M⁺+1, 20), 305 (40), 288 (5), 263 (10), 174 (100). Anal. Calc. for C₁₈H₁₈N₈4.0HCl-1.1H₂O-1.0C₂H₅OH: C %, 43.04; H %, 5.40; N %, 20.07. Found C %, 43.03; H %, 5.00; N %, 19.78.

Example 15

1,4-Bis-[5′-(N′-ethoxycarbonylthiourido)-pyridin-2′-yl]phenylene (56). The same procedure described for the preparation of 49 was used starting with 53. Yield % 89; mp>300° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 1.29 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 6H), 4.25 (q, J=6.9 Hz, 4H), 8.03 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 8.16-8.21 (m, 6H), 8.80 (s, 2H), 11.12 (br s, 2H), 11.51 (br s, 2H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 179.3, 153.0, 152.4, 145.4, 138.1, 133.9, 132.6, 126.4, 119.3,61.7, 13.6. MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 525 (M⁺, 20), 409 (30), 241 (45), 163 (100).

1,4-Bis-{5′-[(N′-ethoxycarbonyl-N″-isopropyl)-guanidino]-pyridin-2′-yl}phenylene (57a). The same procedure described for the preparation of 50c was used starting with 56. Yield % 64; mp>300° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 1.13 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 6H), 1.20 (d, J=6 Hz, 12H), 3.95 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 4H), 4.03-4.14 (m, 2H), 7.86 (s, 2H), 7.99 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 8.17 (s, 4H), 8.64 (s, 2H), 9.20 (br s, 4H). MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.): 575 (M⁺+1, 100), 529 (20), 503 (5). Anal. Calc. for C₃₀H₃₈N₈O₄-0.5H₂O: C %, 61.73; H %, 6.73; N %, 19.19. Found C %, 61.75; H %, 6.55; N %, 18.90.

1,4-Bis-{5′-[(N′-isopropyl)-guanidino]-pyridin-2′-yl}phenylene (58a). The same procedure described for the preparation of 51a was used starting with 57a. Yield % 59; mp 224-225° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 1.16 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 12H), 3.86-3.98 (m, 2H), 6.30 (br s, 6H), 7.37 (dd, J=8.4, 2.1 Hz, 2H), 7.85 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 8.10 (s, 4H), 8.25 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 2H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 182.9, 152.3, 148.3, 144.7, 138.1, 130.5, 125.7, 119.7, 42.0, 22.4. MS (ESI) m/e (rel. int.) 431 (M⁺+1, 100), 372 (5), 216 (65).

58a Hydrochloride salt. mp 278-280° C. Anal. Calc. for C₂₄H₃₀N₈-4.0HCl-0.75H₂O: C %, 48.90; H %, 6.06; N %, 18.99. Found C %, 49.15; H %, 6.09; N %, 18.62.

1,4-Bis-{[5′-(N′-ethoxycarbonyl)-guanidino]-pyridin-2′-yl}phenylene (57b). The same procedure described for the preparation of 50a was used starting with 56.

1,4-Bis-[5′-(guanidino)-pyridin-2′-yl]phenylene (58b). The same procedure described for the preparation of 51a was used starting with 57b.

1,4-Bis-{5′-[(N′-ethoxycarbonyl-N″-methyl)-guanidino]-pyridin-2′-yl}phenylene (57c). The same procedure described for the preparation of 50b was used starting with 56.

1,4-Bis-{5′-[(N′-methyl)-guanidino]-pyridin-2′-yl}phenylene (58c). The same procedure described for the preparation of 51a was used starting with 57c.

Example 16 Compounds 61 and 64

Reagents and conditions: (i) Bis(tributyltin), Pd(PPh₃)₄, toluene, 120° C., 4 h; (ii) a) LiN(TMS)₂, THF, r.t., overnight; b) HCl (gas), dry ethanol, r.t., overnight; (iii) NH₂OH.HCl, KO-t-Bu, DMSO; (iv) (CH₃)₂SO₄, LiOH.

Compound 59. 2,5-Dibromopyridine and p-cyanophenylboronic acid were reacted under the above-mentioned Suzuki coupling conditions. Yield 70%, mp 174-175° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 7.90-8.03 (m, 3H), 8.14-8.24 (m, 3H), 8.80 (s, 1H). ¹³C NMR; 6152.6, 150.2, 141.4, 139.7, 132.4, 127.0, 122.5, 120.1, 118.3, 111.6. MS (m/z, rel.int.); 259 (M⁺, 100), 179 (70), 152 (55).

Compound 60. Stille homocoupling starting with 59. Yield 77%, mp>300° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 7.96 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 4H), 8.20-8.37 (m, 8H), 9.18 (s, 2H). ¹³C NMR; δ 153.4, 147.6, 142.0, 135.1, 132.3, 131.5, 126.9, 120.8, 118.2, 111.4. MS (m/z, rel.int.); 358 (M⁺, 100), 330 (5), 256 (10), 179 (70).

Compound 61. Reduction of dinitrile 60 using LiN(TMS)₂. Reduction of the cyano groups of 59 using LiN(TMS)₂. Yield 81%, mp>300° C. ¹H NMR (D₂O/DMSO-d₆); δ 8.00 (s, 4H), 8.23-8.43 (m, 8H), 9.15 (s, 2H). ¹³C NMR; δ 165.8, 154.3, 147.7, 142.9, 136.8, 132.3, 129.0, 128.6, 127.8, 122.3. MS (m/z, rel.int.); 393 (M⁺+1, 95), 376 (8), 359 (5), 197 (100). Calcd for C₂₄H₂₀N₆-4.0HCl-2.5H₂O: C, 49.41; H, 4.99; N, 14.40. Found C, 49.18; H, 4.67; N, 14.22.

Compound 62. Direct conversion of the nitrile of 59 to an amidoxime using hydroxylamine in the presence of base. Yield 87%, mp 179-180° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 5.87 (s, 2H), 7.75 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 2H), 7.92-8.09 (m, 4H), 8.73 (s, 1H), 9.73 (s, 1H). ¹³C NMR; δ 154.2, 150.4, 150.2, 139.7, 137.7, 134.1, 126.1, 125.7, 122.0, 119.2. MS (m/z, rel.int.); 291 (M⁺, 90), 276 (100), 259 (50).

Compound 63. Methylation of the amidoxime of 62 using dimethyl sulfate. Yield 68%, mp 158-159° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 3.76 (s, 3H), 6.13 (s, 2H), 7.76 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 2H), 7.96-8.14 (m, 4H), 8.76 (s, 1H). ¹³C NMR; δ 154.1, 150.5, 150.2, 139.8, 138.0, 133.3, 126.2, 126.1, 122.0, 119.3, 60.6. MS (m/z, rel.int.); 305 (M⁺, 100), 290 (4), 274 (10), 259 (85).

Compound 64. Stille homocoupling of 63. Free base yield 73%, mp 232-233.5° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆); δ 3.77 (s, 6H), 6.13 (s, 4H), 7.82 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 4H), 8.13-8.20 (m, 6H), 8.33 (dd, J=8.4, 2.4 Hz, 2H), 9.14 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 2H). ¹³C NMR; δ 154.7, 150.6, 147.6, 138.7, 135.1, 133.2, 131.1, 126.2, 126.1, 120.3, 60.66. MS (m/z, rel.int.); 452 (M⁺, 100), 421 (5), 405 (50), 374 (40).

64 salt: mp 279-281° C. Calcd for C₂₆H₂₄N₆O₂-4.0HCl-4.25H₂O: C, 46.26; H, 5.40; N, 12.44. Found C, 46.09; H, 5.10; N, 12.11.

TABLE 1 Biological Results Linear Triaryl Dications.

T.b.r. P.f. L.d. CT IC₅₀ IC₅₀ IC₅₀ IC₅₀ Code A R R₁ R₂ M X Y Z ΔT_(m) (nM) (nM) (μM) (μM) pentamidine NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 12.6 2.2 nt 2.2 11.4 furamidine NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 25 4.5 15.5 6.4 20

H nil CH CH CH CH 19.1 5 1 22.1 18

H nil CH CH CH CH 22.8k >118k >212 21

H nil CH CH CH CH 13.8k 371 118 23a

F nil CH CH CH CH 15.1 2 1 0.34 6.4 24a

F nil CH CH CH CH >201k 925 29.1 25a

F nil CH CH CH CH >51.5k 4.2k 23b

CF₃ nil CH CH CH CH 10.1 48 15 3.0 9.0 24b

CF₃ nil CH CH CH CH 29.9k 3.1K 13.3 25b

CF₃ nil CH CH CH CH 36.9k 3.8k 42.2 65

OMe OMe CH CH CH CH 48

H nil CH CH CH CH 12.2 18 27 1.2 25.4 50a

H nil CH CH CH CH 142k 1.7k >181 51a

H nil CH CH CH CH 18 7 65.1 50b

H nil CH CH CH CH 7.5k 8.9k 5.7 51b

H nil CH CH CH CH 530 14 7.2 21.9 50c

H nil CH CH CH CH 14.2k 4.5k 5.3 55

H nil N CH CH CH 169 151 152 57b

H nil N CH CH CH 58c

H nil N CH CH CH 57c

H nil N CH CH CH 58a

H nil N CH CH CH 57a

H nil N CH CH CH 23c

H nil CH CH N CH 18.7 2 10 49.9 24c

H nil CH CH N CH 9.3k 7.6k >184 25c

H nil CH CH N CH 34.7k 3.2k >166 36b

H nil CH CH CH CH 36a

H nil CH CH N CH 41 11 18.1 66

H nil CH N N CH 16.1 14 1 0.72 31.3 67

H nil CH N N CH 12K 2.4K 8.1 68

H nil CH N N CH 141K 5.5K >194 31

H nil N CH CH CH 47 10 >100 25.6 33

H nil N CH CH CH 82.9K 1.2K >158 27

H nil CH CH N N 16 0.5 40.9 29

H nil CH CH N N 5

H nil CH CH CH CH 5 1 2.0 3

H nil CH CH CH CH 67K 6.6K 106. 4

H nil CH CH CH CH 24K 1.6K >206 10

H nil CH N CH CH 2 5.2 20.5 30.9

TABLE 2 Linear Triaryl Dications In Vitro Results.

T.b.r. P.f. L.d. cytotoxicity IC₅₀ IC₅₀ IC₅₀ (CT) Code A L ΔT_(m) (nM) (nM) (μM) IC₅₀ (μM) 38a

175 21 12.9 7.3 39

13.4K 9.1K 9.4 40

29.5K 3.9K 16.2 38b

18.2 53 19 0.28 8 61

16.7 8 5 40.9

TABLE 3 Linear Triaryl Dications In Vivo Results versus T.b.r. Dosage Survival Code (mg/kg) Route Cures (days) pentamidine 20 ip 0/4 42.7 furamidine 20 ip 2/4 >47.7 20 20 ip 0/4 52.5 18 100 po 0/4 24.75 21 100 po 0/4 20.75 48 20 ip 0/4 >60 23c 20 ip 4/4 >60 24c 100 po 1/4 >35.75  5 20 ip 0/4 21.25  4 100 po 0/4 29 10 20 ip 3/4 >53.5

It will be understood that various details of the invention may be changed without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing discription is for the purpose of illustration only, and not for the purpose of limitation. 

1. A compound of the formula:

wherein: p and q are each independently an integer from 0 to 8; m is an integer from 0 to 4; each R₂, R₄, and R₅ is independently selected from the group consisting of H, hydroxyl, halo, nitro, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkoxyl, aryl, substituted aryl, and aryloxyl; and L₁ and L₂ are selected from the group consisting of:

wherein: R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₃, R₁₄, R₁₅, and R₂₀ are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, aralkyl, hydroxyl, alkoxyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxycycloalkyl, alkoxycycloalkyl, aminoalkyl, acyloxyl, alkylaminoalkyl, and alkoxycarbonyl; or R₁₁ and R₁₂ together represent a C₂ to C₁₀ alkyl, C₂ to C₁₀ hydroxyalkyl, or a C₂ to C₁₀ alkylene; or R₁₁ and R₁₂ together are:

wherein u is an integer from 1 to 4, and R₁₆ is H or —CONHR₁₇NR₁₈R₁₉, wherein R₁₇ is alkyl, and R₁₈ and R₁₉ are each independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 2. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of: 1,4-Bis-(5′-amidinopyridin-2′-yl)-phenylene; 1,4-Bis-[5′-N-hydroxyamidinopyridin-2′-ylil-phenylene; 1,4-Bis-[5′-N-methoxyamidinopyridin-2′-ylil-phenylene; 1,4-Bis-(5′-guanidinopyridin-2′-yl)phenylene; 1,4-Bis-{5′-[(N′-isopropyl)-guanidino]-pyridin-2′yl}phenylene; 1,4-Bis[5-(N-ethoxycarbonylguanidino)pyridin-2-yl]benzene; 1,4-Bis[5-(N-ethoxycarbonyl-N′-methylguanidino)pyridin-2-yl]benzene; and 1,4-Bis[5-(N-methylguanidino)pyridin-2-yl]benzene; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 3. A compound of Formula (III):

wherein: p and q are each independently an integer from 0 to 8; Ar₁ and Ar₃ are independently selected from the group consisting of:

wherein: X is selected from the group consisting of O, S, NH, and Se; each m is independently an integer from 0 to 4; each s is independently an integer from 0 to 2; and each R₁and R₃ is independently selected from the group consisting of H, hydroxyl, halo, nitro, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkoxyl, aryl, substituted aryl, and aryloxyl; A₁, Y₁, and Z₁are selected from the group consisting of N and CR₇, wherein R₇ is selected from the group consisting of H, hydroxyl, halo, nitro, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkoxyl, aryl, substituted aryl, and aryloxyl, and wherein one of A₁, Y₁ and Z₁ is N; R₆ is selected from the group consisting of H, hydroxyl, halo, nitro, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkoxyl, aryl, substituted aryl, and aryloxyl; and L₁ and L₂ are selected from the group consisting of:

wherein: R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₃, R₁₄, R₁₆, and R₂₀ are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, aralkyl, hydroxyl, alkoxyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxycycloalkyl, alkoxycycloalkyl, aminoalkyl, acyloxyl, alkylaminoalkyl, and alkoxycarbonyl; or R₁₁ and R₁₂ together are:

wherein u is an integer from 1 to 4, and R₁₆ is H or —CONHR₁₇NR₁₈R₁₉, wherein R₁₇ is alkyl, and R₁₈ and R₁₉ are each independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 4. The compound of claim 3, wherein A₁ is N, Y₁ and Z₁ are each CR₇, and the compound of Formula (III) has the following structure:


5. The compound of claim 4, wherein Ar₁ is phenylene, Ar₃ is furanyl, and the compound has the following structure:


6. The compound of claim 4, wherein Ar₁ and Ar₃ are each phenylene, p is 0, and q is 1, and the compound has the following structure:


7. The compound of claim 3, wherein Y₁ is N, A₁ and Z₁ are each CR₇, and the compound has the following structure:


8. The compound of claim 7, wherein Ar₁ and Ar₃ are each phenylene and the compound has the following structure:


9. The compound of claim 7, wherein Ar₁ is phenylene and Ar₃ is furanyl and the compound has the following structure:


10. The compound of claim 3, wherein the compound of Formula (III) is selected from the group consisting of: N-Hydroxy-5-{6-[4-(N-hydroxyamidino)-phenyl]-pyridin-3-yl}-furan-2-carboxamidine; 5-[6-(4-Amidinophenyl)-pyridin-3-yl]-furan-2-carboxamidine; Phenyl[1,1′]pyridyl[4′,1″]phenyl-4,4″-bis-carboxamidine; Phenyl[1,1′]pyridyl[4′,1″]phenyl-4,4″-bis-N-hydroxycarbox-amidine; Phenyl[1,1′]pyridyl[4′,1″]phenyl-4,4″-bis-N-methoxycarbox-amidine; 2-[4-(N-Hydroxyamidino)phenyl]-5-[4″-(N-hydroxyamidino)-benzyl]pyridine; 2-(4-Amidinophenyl)-5-(4″-amidinobenzyl)pyridine; 5-[4-(2-Hydrazono)-pyridin-5-yl-phenyl]-furan-2-hydrazone; 5-{4-[2-(4,5-Dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-hydrazono]-pyridin-5-yl-phenyl}-furan-2-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-hydrazone; 5-{4-[5-(4,5-Dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-hydrazono]-pyridin-2-yl-phenyl}-furan-2-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-hydrazone; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 11. A compound of the formula:

wherein: p and q are each independently an integer from 0 to 8; t is an integer from 0 to 6; A, Y, and Z are selected from the group consisting of N and CR₄, wherein within each ring one of A and Y is N, and wherein R₄ is selected from the group consisting of H, hydroxyl, halo, nitro, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkoxyl, aryl, substituted aryl, and aryloxyl; each R₂ and R₈ is independently selected from the group consisting of H, hydroxyl, halo, nitro, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkoxyl, aryl, substituted aryl, and aryloxyl; and L₁ and L₂ are selected from the group consisting of:

wherein: R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₃, R₁₄, R₁₅, and R₂₀ are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, aralkyl, hydroxyl, alkoxyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxycycloalkyl, alkoxycycloalkyl, aminoalkyl, acyloxyl, alkylaminoalkyl, and alkoxycarbonyl; or R₁₁ and R₁₂ together represent a C₂ to C₁₀ alkyl, C₂ to C₁₀ hydroxyalkyl, or a C₂ to C₁₀ alkylene; or R₁₁ and R₁₂ together are:

wherein u is an integer from 1 to 4, and R₁₆ is H or —CONHR₁₇NR₁₈R₁₉, wherein R₁₇ is alkyl, and R₁₈ and R₁₉ are each independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 12. A compound of the formula:

wherein p and q are each independently an integer from 0 to 8; each R₇ is selected from the group consisting of H, hydroxyl, halo, nitro, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkoxyl, aryl, substituted aryl, and aryloxyl; R₉ and R₁₀ are independently selected from the group consisting of H, hydroxyl, halo, nitro, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkoxyl, aryl, substituted aryl, and aryloxyl; An and Ar₃ are independently selected from the group consisting of:

wherein: X is selected from the group consisting of O, S, NH, and Se; each m is independently an integer from 0 to 4; each s is independently an integer from 0 to 2; each R₁ and R₃ is independently selected from the group consisting of H, hydroxyl, halo, nitro, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkoxyl, aryl, substituted aryl, and aryloxyl; and L₁ and L₂ are selected from the group consisting of:

wherein: R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₃, R₁₄, R₁₅, and R₂₀ are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, aralkyl, hydroxyl, alkoxyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxycycloalkyl, alkoxycycloalkyl, aminoalkyl, acyloxyl, alkylaminoalkyl, and alkoxycarbonyl; or R₁₁ and R₁₂ together represent a C₂ to C₁₀ alkyl, C₂ to C₁₀ hydroxyalkyl, or a C₂ to C₁₀ alkylene; or R₁₁ and R₁₂ together are:

wherein u is an integer from 1 to 4, and R₁₆ is H or —CONHR₁₇NR₁₈R₁₉, wherein R₁₇ is alkyl, and R₁₈ and R₁₉ are each independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 13. The compound of claim 12, wherein Ar₁ and Ar₃ are each phenylene and the compound has the following formula:


14. The compound of claim 1, wherein L₁ and L₂ are each


15. The compound of claim 1, wherein L₁ and L₂ are each:


16. The compound of claim 1, wherein L₁ and L₂ are each:


17. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound is a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.
 18. The compound of claim 17, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable salt is selected from the group consisting of a hydrochloride salt and an acetate salt.
 19. A pharmaceutical formulation comprising: (a) a compound of claim 1; and (b) a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier.
 20. A method of treating a microbial infection in a subject in need of treatment therefore, the method comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a compound of the formulas from:

wherein: p and q are each independently an integer from 0 to 8; t is an integer from 0 to 6; Ar₁ and Ar₃ are independently selected from the group consisting of:

wherein: X is selected from the group consisting of O, S, NH, and Se; each m is independently an integer from 0 to 4; each s is independently an integer from 0 to 2; A, Y and Z are independently selected from the group consisting of N and CR₄, wherein within each ring one of A and Y is N; A₁, Y₁, and Z₁ are selected from the group consisting of N and CR₇, wherein one of A₁, Y₁, and Z₁ is N; each R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, and R₁₀ is independently selected from the group consisting of H, hydroxyl, halo, nitro, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkoxyl, aryl, substituted aryl, and aryloxyl; and L₁ and L₂ are selected from the group consisting of:

wherein: R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₃, R₁₄, R₁₅, and R₂₀ are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, aralkyl, hydroxyl, alkoxyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxycycloalkyl, alkoxycycloalkyl, aminoalkyl, acyloxyl, alkylaminoalkyl, and alkoxycarbonyl; or R₁₁ and R₁₂ together represent a C₂ to C₁₀ alkyl, C₂ to C₁₀ hydroxyalkyl, or a C₂ to C₁₀ alkylene; or R₁₁ and R₁₂ together are:

wherein u is an integer from 1 to 4, and R₁₆ is H or —CONHR₁₇NR₁₈R₁₉, wherein R₁₇ is alkyl, and R₁₈ and R₁₉ are each independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and wherein the microbial infection is selected from the group consisting of a Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense infection, a Plasmodium falciparum infection, and a Leishmania donovoni infection.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the compound is administered in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable salt is selected from the group consisting of a hydrochloride salt and an acetate salt.
 23. The compound of claim 3, wherein L₁ and L₂ are each:


24. The compound of claim 3, wherein L₁ and L₂ are each:


25. The compound of claim 3, wherein L₁ and L₂ are each:


26. The compound of claim 3, wherein the compound is a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.
 27. The compound of claim 26, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable salt is selected from the group consisting of a hydrochloride salt and an acetate salt.
 28. A pharmaceutical formulation comprising: (a) a compound of claim 3, and (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 29. The compound of claim 11, wherein L₁ and L₂ are each:


30. The compound of claim 11, wherein L₁ and L₂ are each:


31. The compound of claim 11, wherein L₁ and L₂ are each:


32. The compound of claim 11, wherein the compound is a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.
 33. The compound of claim 32, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable salt is selected from the group consisting of a hydrochloride salt and an acetate salt.
 34. A pharmaceutical formulation comprising: (a) a compound of claim 11, and (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 35. The compound of claim 12, wherein L₁ and L₂ are each


36. The compound of claim 12, wherein L₁ and L₂ are each:


37. The compound of claim 12, wherein L₁ and L₂ are each:


38. The compound of claim 12, wherein the compound is a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.
 39. The compound of claim 38, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable salt is selected from the group consisting of a hydrochloride salt and an acetate salt.
 40. A pharmaceutical formulation comprising: (a) a compound of claim 12; and (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 